For the soup:

• 1/4 c. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 red jalapeno, seeded and diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp ginger, peeled and minced
• 2 small apples, peeled, cored and diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 1/2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cardamom
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1 T minced thyme
• 1/2 c. red or yellow lentils (uncooked)
• 3 c. chicken or veggie stock
• 2/3 c. coconut milk
• salt to and pepper to taste

For the toppings and garnish:

• Cooked jasmine rice
• Roasted and shredded chicken breast
• Golden raisins
• Fresh thyme