Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium/large onion, diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 (15-ounce/398 mL) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 (15-ounce/398 mL) can full-fat coconut milk
• 3/4 cup uncooked red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 3 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, to taste (for a kick of heat!)
• 1 (5-ounce/140-gram) package baby spinach
• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, or more to taste

Directions:

1. In a large pot, add the oil, onion, and garlic. Add a pinch of salt, stir, and sauté over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until the onion softens.
2. Stir in the turmeric, garam masala, cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom until combined. Continue cooking for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the tomatoes, coconut milk, red lentils, broth, salt, and plenty of pepper. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne, if desired, to taste. Stir to combine. Increase heat to high and bring to a low boil.
4. Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium-high, and simmer, uncovered, for about 18 to 22 minutes, until the lentils are fluffy and tender.
5. Turn off the heat and stir in the spinach until wilted. Add the lime juice to taste. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if desired.