Savory Lentil Stew - cooking recipe

Ingredients

8 cups water
1 1/2 cups dried lentils (I prefer the red ones)
1 large onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
2 tablespoons water
2 -3 tablespoons minced shallots
4 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
soy sauce

Preparation

Put the water in a large pot with the lentils, onion, carrot, celery, potatoes, parsley, thyme, pepper, cloves and liquid smoke.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover, and simmer for 35-45 minutes.
Meanwhile, place the 2 tbsp water, shallot, and garlic in a small pan.
Cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes.
Mix in the cumin and coriander.
Continue to cook, stirring, for another minute.
Add to the soup and stir.
Remove 3 cups of the soup to a blender.
Puree until smooth and recombine with the rest of the soup.
Serve with a splash of soy sauce.