Day 12 Lunch: Curried red lentil soup

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 large onion,chopped
3 cloves garlic,minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 cups red lentils, rinsed and picked over (see Note)
8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, or parsley
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons mango chutney
Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a heavy stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, jalapeno, curry powder, cinnamon, cumin and bay leaves and cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes longer.
2. Stir in lentils and broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.
3. Discard bay leaves. Stir in cilantro (or parsley), lemon juice and chutney. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls.

• Note: Red lentils are a useful addition to your pantry because they cook in just 10 to 15 minutes. They are excellent in soups, salads and vegetarian stews. You can find them in the natural-foods section of your supermarket or through online sources.

RECIPES: eatingwell.com