Warm up with a bowl of curried millet and lentil soup. This hearty and nutritious soup combines the wholesome goodness of millet and lentils with aromatic spices for a flavorful and comforting meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a make-ahead lunch, this soup is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
• 1/2 cup millet, rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Vegetables and Spices:
   • Add the diced carrots, celery, and chopped red bell pepper to the pot.
   • Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
   • Stir in the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
   • Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to toast the spices.
3. Add Lentils, Millet, and Broth:
   • Add the rinsed red lentils, millet, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and vegetable broth or water to the pot.
   • Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Simmer the Soup:
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
   • Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils and millet are tender and the soup has thickened.
   • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add Coconut Milk and Spinach:
   • Stir in the coconut milk and chopped spinach.
   • Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
6. Finish with Lime Juice:
   • Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lime juice.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
   • Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips and Variations:

• Extra Vegetables: Add diced sweet potatoes, zucchini, or peas for more variety.
• Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chickpeas or tofu for additional protein.
• Adjusting Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference, or omit it entirely for a milder soup.

Enjoy this curried millet and lentil soup as a hearty and flavorful comfort dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of nutritious millet, protein-packed lentils, and aromatic spices makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!