Mulligatawny Soup

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 red serrano, finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
• 1 Tbsp. curry powder
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 1 1/2 c. split red lentils
• 6 c. low-sodium vegetable stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 (14.5-oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 c. plain, full-fat Greek yogurt, plus extra for garnish
• Juice from half a lemon
• Lemon wedges, for garnish
• Freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Naan, for serving 

Directions

1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt butter until it stops foaming, Add onions, carrot, celery, and red chile, and season with ½ tsp of salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, or until onions are translucent and the vegetables are starting to brown lightly on the edges.
2. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Stir in spices and ½ teaspoon salt and cook for another 30 seconds. Reduce heat to medium and stir in apple until completely coated.
3. Rinse lentils in a fine mesh strainer and shake off excess water. Stir in lentils, vegetable stock, and bay leaves. Increase heat to medium high and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 30 minutes.
4. Discard bay leaves. Using an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender in batches), blend until smooth. (It should be smooth but not like baby food; a few bits of texture are okay.) 
5. Add chickpeas and 2 ½ tsp of salt, and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until chickpeas are heated through and completely tender.
6. Meanwhile, combine yogurt and lemon juice in a small bowl. 
7. When chickpeas are done simmering, stir in yogurt mixture until no more streaks of white remain. 
8. Garnish with cilantro, lemon wedges and more yogurt, if desired. Serve with steamed basmati rice or a side of garlicky naan.