Burmese Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tsps minced garlic
• 2 tsps minced ginger root
• 3 tbsps sesame seeds
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup red lentils

Directions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water in colander or sieve. Drain.
2. Heat oil in large saucepan on medium.
3. Add garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Stir-fry 1 minute.
4. Add the lentils and fry until they begin to change color (from orange to white/yellow).
5. Turn heat to medium high and bring water to boil. Immediately reduce heat to medium low for steady simmer.
6. Cook 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft. Add salt and stir.
7. Serve with crispy fried shallots and ground sesame seeds mixed with salt.
8. Note: based on a recipe from the book "Bangkok to Bali".