Mild Vegetable Mulligatawny

Submitted by The Gastrosexual

"A mild yet delicious soup that's got everything going for it. Served chilled, the freshness of the vegetables followed by a mild kick of spice and the faint impression of limes is the perfect lunch on a midsummer day; served hot, the creamy spiciness is the perfect end of day meal when a cold night is expected."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 50mins
• Ingredients: 21
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 14 ounces lentils, soaked in cold water for 2 hours then drained
• 10 dried red chilies
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorn
• 2 tablespoons whole coriander seeds
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne
• 4 -5 cups vegetable stock
• 2 small potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 small turnips, peeled and diced
• 12 curry leaves (or 8 fresh basil leaves)
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons ginger, peeled and finely chopped
• 14 ounces coconut milk
• 1⁄4 cup flaked coconut
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons salt (to taste)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro

directions

1. Place peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds in a small cast-iron frying pan and set over medium-high heat. Stir and roast until the spices emit a roasted aroma . Empty onto a plate to cool, then grind into a fine powder. Add the turmeric and cayenne to this mixture.
2. Put lentils in bowl. Slowly mix in 4 cups of stock.
3. Combine the lentils, spices, all the vegetables, the
4. curry leaves, garlic, onion, and ginger in a large pan and bring to a boil.
5. Cover, turn heat to low, and simmer for one hour or until all vegetables are tender.
6. Blend soup in blender in several batches and press through a coarse sieve.
7. Return the soup to the pot, add the coconut milk and salt, and return to a simmer. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, then thin out with more stock, as needed.
8. Serve hot with lime wedges & fresh cilantro.