Vegan Coconut Curry Red Lentil Soup – Simmer + Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 small fennel bulb, small dice
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 2 small cans of tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons yellow curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (optional)
• 5 cups vegetable broth (if you are not a vegetarian, you can use chicken broth)
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
• One (24-ounce) diced tomatoes with their juices
• 1 1/2 cups dry red lentils
• 3 cups baby spinach, plus more for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chives, finely chopped, for garnish