Spiced Lentil Soup

I'm on a bit of a soup jag and have a tasty vegetarian one to share with you.  This is another low fat, low cal bowl of deliciousness.

Spiced Lentil Soup

1/2 cup lentils
2 tsp veggie oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp cumin
2 tbsp tomato paste
4 cups (32 oz) vegetable stock
1/2 cup water
1 can (11 oz) corn, drained
salt and pepper, to taste
plain yogurt, for garnish
parsley, for garnish

Rinse lentils in cold water and set aside to drain.

In a large saucepan, heat oil.  Saute onion and garlic until soft (but not brown).

Stir in garam masala, ground coriander, cumin and tomato paste.  Add in 4 tbsp of the veggie stock, mixing well.  Cook together for 1-2 minutes.

Add lentils to the pan, then pour in the rest of the stock and water.  Bring mixture to a boil.  Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about an hour until lentils are tender.

Stir in the corn, then season to taste.

Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt and garnish with parsley.

NOTES

You can use yellow or white corn (or a mix thereof).

The yogurt dollop is KEY!  Adds another taste level to the dish that you don't want to miss out on.

In case you are out of garam masala like I was or don't have any on hand, you can make some yourself.  Garam masala is simply a spice blend that you can make yourself.  Here is a simple recipe to make your own if you have the ingredients at home.

Garam Masala

1 tbsp cumin
1-1/2 tsp ground coriander
1-1/2 tsp ground cardamon
1-1/2 tsp black pepper
1-1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground clove
1/2 tsp nutmeg