Lentil Soup

INGREDIENTS

2 red onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger*
6 cups water
1 cup red lentils
2 tomatoes, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks chopped celery
1 teaspoon garam masala**
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom**
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon olive oil

DIRECTIONS

1. In large pot saute the onions, garlic, and ginger in a little olive oil for about 5 minutes.
2. Add the water, lentils, carrots, celery, garam masala, cardamom, cayenne pepper and cumin. Bring to a boil for a few minutes. Add the tomatoes, then simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or longer, until the lentils are soft.

* - I keep minced ginger in my refrigerator - available from Whole Foods Market.
** - Available in Indian stores or in Whole Foods

COMMENTS: I like red onions because they have a sharper taste, and the more the color, the more nutritious the vegetable.