Mulligatawny

1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped red pepper
5 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons garam masala
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves
2 cups dried red lentils
8 cups chicken broth

2 cups diced cooked chicken
1 cup canned coconut milk
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 cups cooked basmati rice
Lemon wedges

Heat vegetable oil, add onions and cook until golden brown, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 2 minutes. Add garam masala and next 4 ingredients; stir 1 minute. Add lentils; stir until coated. Add chicken broth. Bring soup to boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer until lentils are very tender, about 20 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return to pot. Stir in chicken, coconut milk, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide rice among bowls. Pour soup over. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Served with garlic naan bread and paneer-stuffed naan.