5-quart saucepot, Blender, Cutting board, Ladle, Measuring cups and spoons, Sharp Knives, Top Stove
Ingredients
1/2cupextra virgin olive oil
2yellow onionmedium chopped
4carrotpeeled and chopped
8clovegarlicpressed or minced
4teaspoonground cumin
2teaspooncurry powder
1teaspoondried thyme
56ouncediced tomatoeslightly drained
2cupbrown lentilspicked over and rinsed
8cupvegetable broth
4cupwater
2teaspoonKosher saltmore to taste
pinchcrushed red pepper
1/2teaspoonfreshly ground black pepperto taste
2cupcollard greenschopped
1lemonjuiced
Instructions
Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and carrot and cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, cumin, curry powder and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often, in order to enhance their flavor.
Pour in the lentils, broth and the water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Raise heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
Transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender. Securely fasten the lid, protect your hand from steam with a tea towel placed over the lid, and purée the soup until smooth. Pour the puréed soup back into the pot. (Or, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup.)
Add the chopped greens and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the greens have softened to your liking. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or lemon juice until the flavors really sing. For spicier soup, add another pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
Reheating Instructions
Heat in the microwave on medium-high power until heated through or on the cooktop.