Hot Lentil Soup

Description
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
 * 150g 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. Drain well.
 * 2) Heat the ghee in a large pan; add the Onion and ginger and cook over medium heat until deep brown.
 * 3) Add the Potato and tomato, and cook for 5 minutes, then add the coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili and coconut and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes
 * 4) Add the drained Lentils and the water and bring to the boil.
 * 5) Simmer until the Lentils and Potato begin to break up.
 * 6) Add the tamarind and cabbage. Cook until the cabbage is soft.
 * 7) Season with black pepper to taste.
 * 8) Serve with chopped coriander or mint as garnish, if desired, and chapattis.