Soup and Painting for the Soul - a perfect combination

Feeding the soul takes intention, time, and space. We have found a great combination on Wednesdays at Retreat House: Soup for the Soul and Soul Painting. Here are our offerings from last week!                ANDThank you, Melodie for the yummy Coconut Curry Red Lentil Soup!1 cup / 7 oz / 200g yellow split peas1 cup 7 oz / 200g red split lentils (masoor dal)7 cups / 1.6 liters water1 medium carrot, cut into 1/2-inch dice2 tablespoons fresh peeled and minced ginger2 tablespoons curry powder2 tablespoons butter or ghee – I used olive oil instead to keep it vegan8 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced1/3 cup / 1.5 oz / 45g golden raisins1/3 / 80 ml cup tomato paste1 14-ounce can coconut milk2 teaspoons fine grain sea saltone small handful cilantro, choppedcooked brown rice or farro, for serving (optional)Give the split peas and lentils a good rinse - until they no longer put off murky water. Place them in an extra-large soup pot, cover with the water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the carrot and 1/4 of the ginger. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the split peas are soft.In the meantime, in a small dry skillet or saucepan over low heat, toast the curry powder until it is quite fragrant. Be careful though, you don't want to burn the curry powder, just toast it. Set aside. Place the butter in a pan over medium heat, add half of the green onions, the remaining ginger, and raisins. Saute for two minutes stirring constantly, then add the tomato paste and saute for another minute or two more.Add the toasted curry powder to the tomato paste mixture, mix well, and then add this to the simmering soup along with the coconut milk and salt. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes or so. The texture should thicken up, but you can play around with the consistency if you like by adding more water, a bit at a time, if you like. Or simmer longer for a thicker consistency. The thicker this soup got, the more I liked it.Garnish each bowl generously with cilantro and/or the remaining green onions.Serves 6.Prep time: 20 min - Cook time: 35 min (or simmer 1-2 hours)