Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     1/4  cup           red lentils -- picked over &
                        -- rinsed
     1/2  pound         potato
     1/2  teaspoon      ground cumin seed
   1      teaspoon      ground coriander seed
   1      teaspoon      turmeric
   1      tablespoon    curry powder blend
     1/4  teaspoon      anise seed -- rubbed
                        ground nutmeg -- optional
   1      teaspoon      ghee or peanut oil
   2      cups          vegetable broth -- (to 3)
   1      tablespoon    tomato paste -- (to 2)
     1/4  teaspoon      salt
     1/8  teaspoon      freshly ground black pepper
   1      tablespoon    fresh lemon juice -- (or more), to taste
   2      tablespoons   chopped fresh cilantro leaves -- for garnish
   2      tablespoons   plain lowfat yogurt -- for garnish

Preparation:

Peel and dice the potatoes. Measure spices into a little cup (for easy addition). Heat the spices in a nonstick soup pan over medium heat. When arromatic, add the potatoes and stir to coat; and lentils and peanut oil or ghee and cook without browning for a minute or two until the oil is warmed. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, let simmer, covered for about 30 minutes. Turn heat to it's lowest setting. Add the tomato paste; stir to combine. Mash or puree; season with salt and pepper. Add the lemon juice; adjust salt. Serve, garnished with cilantro. VARIATIONS: *Cook with 2 whole cloves; remove before pureeing. Season with nutmeg and caraway. *Use cream or yogurt instead of lemon juice. *Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger and/or cloves to lentils while they simmer. Intriguing, entertaining flavor. Serve with a few traditional condiments like raita or pickled mango; or shredded carrot, cucumber and celery sticks; fresh melon slices. Serve with bread or basmati rice. Excerpt from Ayurveda: Inspired cooking for your individual well being (Vegetarian) by Anne Buhring and Petra Rather