SPICY INDIAN LENTIL AND TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• Wash the lentils thoroughly, being sure to remove any small stones or dirt. Place them, along with the water, in the slow cooker insert.
• In an electric coffee mill or a mortar and pestle, grind the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and peppercorns to a coarse powder.
• In a bowl, combine the ground spices, turmeric, tamarind concentrate, tomatoes, and garlic; add to the lentils.
• Cook, covered, on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the lentils are quite tender and the flavors have melded.
• Add the corn and salt to taste just before serving so that the corn retains its fresh flavor and texture.
• To make the tempering oil, heat the ghee in a frying pan, then add the mustard seeds and broken chile and sauté until the seeds begin to pop. Quickly remove from the heat and drizzle a tiny bit over each bowl of soup.
• Sprinkle with the fresh cilantro and serve.
• Suggested Beverage
• Any chilled, aromatic white wine will do nicely here.