Velvety Red Lentil Soup with Cherry Tomatoes & Shredded Coconut

Ingredients

• 2 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 1/2 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3/4 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for heat)
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• juice of 1 lemon