Curried Red Lentil Soup with Toasted Coconut

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 cup red lentils
5 cups vegetable stock or water
¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Cilantro, scallions and lime wedges, for serving (optional)
 
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and the carrot, and cook until they begin to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the garlic and ginger, and cook 1 minute more, adding a small drizzle of olive oil and lowering the heat if necessary to make sure they don’t burn. Stir in the curry powder, turmeric and ground coriander and cook for about 30 seconds more until fragrant.
 
Add the lentils and vegetable stock, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the lentils are soft and cooked through, about 30 minutes. If you prefer your soup looser, add in ½ to 1 cup more water and cook 1 to 2 minutes longer until heated through.
 
While the soup simmers, heat a medium skillet over low heat. Toast the coconut flakes, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
 
Taste the soup and adjust seasonings. Serve in bowls and pass the coconut flakes at the table. If desired, serve with bowls of cilantro, scallions and lime wedges at the table.

Serves 4.

From The New York Times