Winter is still hanging on in upstate NY, leaving plenty of time to try new soup recipes. Last night, I tried this Curried Red Lentil Soup, making use of the new Sweet Curry powder that I got from Penzeys.



Curried Red Lentil Soup

1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1/2 tsp ginger paste (or grated fresh ginger)
1/2 tsp nigella seeds (kalonji), optional
3 tsp curry powder*
1 cup red lentils
6 cups water
2 cups shredded carrots
pinch ground cloves*
salt and pepper to taste

Saute onion in water until translucent. Add garlic, ginger,nigella seeds, and curry powder; saute 1 minute longer. Add red lentils and water; lower heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking on the bottom. Add shredded carrots, cloves and salt and pepper. Cook 25 minutes. Puree (in batches, if necessary) and serve.

*Note: Penzey's Sweet Curry powder is very mild, and contains cloves, or else I would have used 1/8 tsp of ground cloves. This made a mild soup. All curry powders are different, so start with less and add more to your individual taste.

Never heard of nigella seeds/kalonji? Nigella sativa seeds are also referred to as Roman coriander, blackseed, black caraway, black onion seed, kalonji (Hindi), or chernushka (Russian). They are sometimes incorrectly called black cumin and black sesame. Nigella sativa has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. They are traditionally used for a variety of conditions related to respiratory health, stomach and intestinal health, kidney and liver function, circulatory and immune system support, and for general well-being. In Islam, the seeds are regarded as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine available. The Prophet Mohammed once stated that this black seed can heal every disease except death. Recent research suggests that thymoquinone, an extract of nigella sativa seed oil, blocks the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. The seeds have little scent, but impart a subtle peppery, oregano-like flavor to foods.

I figure they can't hurt, and this soup is a delicious way to include them in my diet.