Hot Lentil Soup

Description
You can also use red or yellow lentils, which require less cooking time

Ingredients

 * ½ cup brown lentils
 * 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
 * 1 medium finely chopped onion
 * ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
 * 1 large potato, cut in small cubes
 * 2 large chopped tomatoes
 * 2 teaspoons ground coriander
 * 1 teaspoon ground cumin
 * ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
 * ½ teaspoon chile flakes
 * 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
 * 4 cups water
 * 1 – 2 teaspoons tamarind concentrate
 * 150 g finely shredded cabbage
 * 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander leaves or mint to garnish

Directions

 * 1) Place the lentils in a medium pan, cover with water, bring to the boil and simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or until tender.
 * 2) Drain well.
 * 3) Heat the ghee in a large pan; add the onion and ginger and cook over medium heat until deep brown.
 * 4) Add the potato and tomato, and cook for 5 minutes, then add the coriander, cumin, turmeric, chile and coconut and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
 * 5) Add the drained lentils and the water and bring to the boil.
 * 6) Simmer until the lentils and potato begin to break up.
 * 7) Add the tamarind and cabbage.
 * 8) Cook until the cabbage is soft.
 * 9) Season with black pepper to taste.
 * 10) Serve with chopped coriander or mint as garnish, if desired, and chapattis.