Contributor: Rebecca Coomes

Ingredients 

Soup

• 1 tbs coconut oil (or a fat you can tolerate)
• 2 lbs carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 whole bunch scallions, green part only, chopped
• 1 tbs freshly grated ginger
• 1 tbs ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 4 cups (1L) vegetable stock
• 1 x 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 x 14 oz can cooked brown lentils
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• 2 large handfuls parsley, chopped
• 1 tbs black sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 tbs mustard seeds, toasted
• Drizzle of garlic infused olive oil (optional)

Method

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large soup pan. Add the carrots, scallions and ginger, cooking until they have softened slightly.

2. Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric and mustard seeds. Cook for 1 minute then add the vegetable stock and tomatoes. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and cook for 20 minutes or until the carrots are soft.

3. Rinse the lentils in a colander until the water runs clear, then add to the soup. Cook for a further 10 minutes.

4. The soup can be eaten like this, or if you prefer a creamier soup, pour half into a blender and blitz until blended and creamy. Pour back into the pot and mix thoroughly.

5. Add the lemon juice then taste and season with salt and pepper accordingly.

6. While the soup is cooking, dry fry the sesame seeds and mustard seeds. Heat a frying pan over medium heat (do not add any oil). Add the seeds and stir for a few minutes or until they become fragrant (they may start to pop). Remove from the heat and set aside.

7. Divide the soup between 4 large soup bowls. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and the seeds. Drizzle with garlic infused olive oil (if using).