Red Lentil Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 medium red onion, peeled and chopped
3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
3/4 cup split red lentils
5 cups low sodium chicken broth or 5 cups vegetable broth
1/2 fresh lemon (optional)

Preparation

Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the ginger and heat, stirring, for about a minute. Add the ground cumin and stir another 30 seconds.
Add the onion and carrots and cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Add the lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the lentils are soft.
Remove from heat and puree with an immersion blender (or in batches in a blender or food processor). Add salt and pepper to taste, although I usually do not add any.
Add a squeeze of lemon in each serving, if you wish - I find that it adds a bright note.
Note: A spoonful of plain yogurt is a nice addition.