Red Lentil, Red Pepper and Coconut Milk Soup

Serves 4 

Ingredients

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely sliced 
• 1 ½ red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 
• 2cm fresh ginger, grated
• ½ tsp cumin
• 2 red peppers, deseeded and diced
• 100g red lentils
• 400ml vegetable stock, more if necessary
• 400ml can of coconut milk 
• Sunflower oil, for frying
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Toasted desiccated coconut, to serve

 Method

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add the onion and celery and sauté for 8-10 minutes over a low heat until soft. 
2. Add the chillies, ginger and cumin and cook for a further minute.
3. Add the peppers, lentils coconut milk and the stock and stir to mix. 
4. Continue to cook until the peppers are soft.
5. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. 
6. Using a hand blender, puree the soup until smooth.
7. Season to taste, adding salt and pepper as required and reheat.
8. Sprinkle the toasted coconut over the soup to serve.