This thick and hearty soup is packed with spicy flavor. Get it going, then call a friend or spend some time with the kids while it simmers.

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 medium sweet potatoes(about 12 ounces each), peeled and cut into ½-inch chunks
2 large stalks celery, cut into ¼-inch pieces
1 large onion (12 ounces), cut into ¼-inch pieces
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
3½ cups vegetable broth
1 package (16 ounces) dry lentile, rinsed and picked through
6 cups water
yogurt, toasted coconut, lime wedges (optional)

In 6-quart Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes, celery, and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, curry powder, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt, and ground red pepper; cook, stirring, 1 minute.
To vegetables in Dutch oven, add broth, lentils, and water; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, 40 to 50 minutes. Serve with yogurt, toasted coconut, and lime wedges, if you like.

Curried Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup

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