I am constantly amazed to find that many of the items I bought at the grocery store are easily made from scratch. I lived on frozen food for so many years that it just tickles me to find I can make something quickly that’s better.
This recipe for Curry Lentil Soup by Martha Stewart is a perfect example.
For the soup
1 teaspoon safflower oil
1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
6 cups Vegetable Stock
1 1/2 cups yellow lentils (12 ounces), rinsed well
Coarse salt
For the chutney
1 cup fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons safflower oil
2 teaspoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger
Directions
Make the soup: Heat oil and coriander seeds in a medium saucepan over high heat for 1 minute. Add stock and lentils. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, and simmer gently, partially covered, until lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 40 to 50 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt.
Meanwhile, make the chutney: Pulse cilantro, lime juice, oil, and ginger in a food processor until cilantro is finely chopped. Serve soup topped with chutney.