Lentil And Tomato Soup With Coriander And Cumin

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This is a wonderfully fragrant soup with a subtle mix of flavors. It's become a favorite of ours over the years. Originally from a houston chronicle food section recipe. Any type of lentils may be used, but the dark green french lentils retain their shape best during cooking. Recipe doubles well and freezes well, without the garnishes.

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Steps

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Place lentils in a large saucepan and add water to cover by 4 inches.

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Bring to a boil over high heat.

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Reduce heat to low and simmer until lentils are just tender , 20 to 30 minutes.

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Drain , reserving cooking liquid separately.

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In a nonreactive stockpot set over medium heat , heat oil until it ripples.

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Add onions and saut until translucent , about 5 minutes.

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Add garlic and saut 5 minutes.

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Add coriander , cumin , fennel seeds , mustard seeds and cayenne.

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Stir in tomatoes and their juice , reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

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Stir in cooked lentils and 3 cups of the lentil cooking liquid.

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Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

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Stir in spinach and cook until it is completely wilted.

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If soup is too thick , add more lentil cooking liquid or water.

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Add salt and pepper.

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Serve and top each bowl with some cilantro and chunks of feta cheese , if desired.

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Ingredients

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lentils, extra virgin olive oil, yellow onions, garlic, ground coriander, fennel seed, mustard seeds, cayenne pepper, diced tomatoes, fresh spinach leaves, salt, fresh ground pepper, fresh cilantro leaves, feta cheese