Curried Lentil Soup with Swiss Chard - Global Local Gourmet

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 small carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional; leave out if you don’t want it spicy, or use a little more if you like it really hot)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger root
• 1 pound red lentils (about 2¼ cups), rinsed and picked over to remove any debris
• 8 cups water, vegetable stock, or chicken stock
• 1 15 oz can of coconut milk (stir well before using)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, ribs removed and leaves torn into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro and basil