A delightful and hearty red lentil soup topped with a refreshing apple-celery relish, perfect for a cozy meal.
Dice the green apple and celery into small cubes and chop the cilantro finely.
Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts for a better presentation.
Mix the diced apple, celery, and cilantro in a bowl. Squeeze the juice of the lime over the mixture and toss well.
Let the relish sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
In a large saucepan, combine the red lentils, diced onion, and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Skim off any foam that forms on the surface for a clearer soup.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer until the lentils are tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom.
Add the coconut milk, tomato paste, grated ginger, cumin, and turmeric to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed at this stage.
Blend the soup in batches until smooth, then return it to the saucepan.
Be cautious when blending hot liquids; allow some steam to escape.
Simmer the blended soup over medium heat for an additional 10 minutes.
Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Stir in the salt, pepper, and lime juice. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Adding lime juice at the end brightens the flavors of the soup.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the apple-celery relish.
Serve with a side of crusty bread or naan for a complete meal.