Red Lentil and Apricot Soup

Ingredients

1 cup red lentil, picked over and rinsed
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup canned diced tomato
1/2 cup chopped dried apricot
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/3 cup cilantro leaf, chopped
salt
pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon whole cumin seed
1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses or 1 teaspoon pomegranate juice, concentrate

Directions:

Prep Time: 10 minsTotal Time: 40 mins

1 In a large deep saucepan, combine the lentils, onion, tomatoes with their liquid, apricots, ginger, garlic, garam masala and turmeric. Add four cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the lentils are soft, about 30 minutes. Mix in the cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

2 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Mix in the cumin and cook, stirring, until the oil is bubbling and the seeds start to darken in color, about two minutes. Immediately, off the heat, mix in the pomegranate molasses or juice concentrate. Take care, as it will splatter.

3 Divide the soup among four deep soup bowls. Drizzle on the cumin mixture and serve.