• 1 tablespoon oil, (optional)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced small
• 3-5 cloves of garlic, chopped small
• 2 medium carrots, diced small or grated
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetarian Better than Bouillon Vegetarian No Chicken Soup Base, there is an organic veggie variety available but I have not tried it.
• 1/4 cup red lentils, rinsed well
• 1/4 cup white rice, rinsed well ( I use basmati rice)
• 6 cups water
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice,(approximately 1/2 a lemon)

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS (see Notes below)

• diced fresh tomatoes
• chopped cilantro
• lemon wedges
• mango chutney