Cozy Red Lentil Soup: A Heartwarming Bowl of Comfort

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 5 cups boiling water (1.2 liters)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup fresh tomato, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 small jalapeno or serrano pepper, diced
• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely minced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh lemon juice
• Pita chips or fried pita bites
• Fresh parsley