Curried Lentil Soup

Curry powders vary in flavor and heat; begin with two tablespoons and add more according to your taste.
6 servings

* PREP: 35 minutes
* TOTAL: 1 hour

Recipe by Molly Wizenberg

Photograph by Elinor Carucci
December 2010
Curried Lentil Soup
Ingredients

* 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 tablespoon medium carrot, finely chopped
* 2 large garlic cloves, chopped, divided
* 2 tablespoons (or more) curry powder
* 1 cup French green lentils
* 4 1/4 cups (or more) water, divided
* 1 15- to 16-ounce can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained, rinsed
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced
* 1 lemon, cut into 6 wedges


Ingredient Info
French green lentils are small, dark green, and speckled with black; they can be found at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.

Preparation


Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrot; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until onion is translucent, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Add half of chopped garlic; stir until vegetables are soft but not brown, about 4 minutes longer. Add 2 tablespoons curry powder; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add lentils and 4 cups water. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Increase heat and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
*
Meanwhile, puree chickpeas, lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, and remaining garlic in processor.
*
Add chickpea puree and butter to lentil soup. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and additional curry powder, if desired. Add water by 1/4 cupfuls to thin to desired consistency. DO AHEAD Soup can be made up to 1 day ahead. Cool, cover, and refrigerate. Rewarm before continuing.
*
Divide soup among bowls. Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions and serve with lemon wedges.



Read More http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2010/12/curried_lentil_soup#ixzz168j9RKek

Shrimp and Coconut Curry with Green Beans

Set aside 2 cups curry to use in the Spicy Shrimp Quesadillas (click for recipe).
4 servings

* PREP: 35 minutes
* TOTAL: 35 minutes

Recipe by Nirmala Narine


Shrimp and Coconut Curry with Green Beans
Ingredients

* 3/4 pound green beans, trimmed, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
* 3 lemongrass stalks
* 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
* 2/3 cup coarsely chopped shallots
* 1/4 cup coarsely chopped seeded jalapeño chiles
* 2 tablespoons Indian curry powder (such as Madras)
* 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped peeled fresh ginger
* 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil plus sliced leaves (for garnish)
* 1/4 cup water
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 cups canned unsweetened coconut milk
* 2 1/2 pounds uncooked medium shrimp, peeled, deveined
* Lime wedges

*
Ingredient Info
Lemongrass, a stalky herb with a green top and a white root, is sold at some supermarkets and at Asian markets. If unavailable, use 2 tablespoons grated lime peel.

Preparation

*
Cook green beans in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain. Cut 2 inches from bottom of each lemongrass stalk; discard tops. Thinly slice bottom pieces; place in processor. Add next 5 ingredients, chopped basil, and 1/4 cup water. Blend until paste forms.
*
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add curry paste; cook, stirring often, until dry, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in coconut milk; bring to simmer. Add shrimp; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until shrimp are just opaque in center, about 5 minutes. Add green beans; stir to heat through. Season curry with salt and pepper. Transfer 2 cups curry to bowl; cover, chill, and reserve for quesadillas. Transfer remaining curry to serving bowl; garnish with basil. Serve with lime wedges.



Read More http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2010/12/shrimp_and_coconut_curry_with_green_beans#ixzz168gMsQYH