I figured now is the perfect time to share one of my absolute favorite soup recipes, what with COVID-19. Most if not all of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry and fridge/freezer, and they all have long shelf lives. And it’s one-pot. Aren’t those always the best kinds of recipes? Anyways…

Stay safe y’all (and make this hearty soup while you’re self-quarantining)!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• thumb of ginger (about 2 tablespoons), minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and picked through
• 1 (14 oz) can unsalted petite diced tomatoes
• 1/2 (14 oz) can coconut milk
• 2 – 3 cups vegetable broth, depending on desired thickness
• 2 cups packed kale*
• Fresh cilantro, optional
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

* You could also use frozen kale.

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, sauté onion and carrot with a pinch of salt for 5 – 7 minutes until soft and beginning to brown.
2. Add garlic, ginger, curry powder, crushed red pepper, and tomato paste. Cook 1 – 2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in lentils.
3. Pour in tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 – 40 minutes until the the flavors have melded, and the lentils are cooked and soft.
4. Remove from heat and stir in kale, cilantro, lemon juice and season to taste with salt (if needed) and fresh ground pepper.