Vegan red lentil coconut soup

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups red split lentils, uncooked
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper cut into ½ inch dice
• 1 fresh jalapeno or serrano chili, finely chopped, including seeds
• 1 tablespoon fresh peeled and minced ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon curry powder or 1 tablespoon thai curry paste
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ⅓ cup tomato paste
• 7 cups water
• 1 can unsweetened light coconut milk
• 1 15-ounce can of chickpeas
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a dutch oven or large soup pan and add the onions, bell pepper and jalapeno and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and start to take on some color.
2. Add the garlic, ginger, spices and tomato paste and continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes until the mixture is toasty and fragrant.
3. Add the water, coconut milk, lentils and chickpeas, bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes adding the lime juice at the end of cooking.
4. Taste and adjust with more salt or more lime juice if desired.
5. Serve the soup topped with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro and some extra limes on the side.