The Best Coconut Red Lentil Soup for the New Moon

Fasting on the New Moon is something I've done quite a bit. My personal practice is very loosely based on the fasting practiced on Ekadashi, which is a very specific lunar phase according to a calendar used by Hindus. I'm not Hindu, but I studied with a lot of Hindus, and I like the concept of fasting when the light of the moon is decreased - to strengthen my inner fire.

Fasting changed my life in my mid thirties before I conceived my child. I got rid of a tumor, balanced my menstrual cycles. It was perfect for my body at the time.

When you fast, the first meal that you eat when breaking the fast is very important. Some bodies are extra sensitive when breaking a fast, others are less responsive, and some others are surprisingly receptive. Some bodies need more oil, while others need less. Some need more water, or more protein. We are all very different.

What kind of body do you assume yours is? And are you ready to validate that assumption?

One of the best ways to break a fast is to have a soup made the day before.

It's hard to cook when you are fasting! It's torture, really. Plus if you taste what you're cooking to make sure you got the recipe right, then you are breaking the fast. If you already have stuff made when you fast, then you will feel more at ease.

How you break your fast is just as important as fasting itself.

To keep your body balanced when breaking a fast, try an easy-to-digest seasonal soup, like this New Moon Coconut Red-Lentil Soup.

This is the perfect winter soup - and it's a 100% plant based recipe!

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves crushed or chopped garlic

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tsp curry powder

1 tsp powdered ginger

1 tsp coriander

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1 1/2 cups red lentils, dried and rinsed

13.5 oz can coconut milk (unsweetened)

28 oz can chopped tomatoes

5.5 cups water

Directions:

1. Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil for 3 minutes

2. Add spices and sauté for 1 minute

3. Add lentils and sauté for 1 minute

4. Add coconut milk, tomatoes and water

5. Mix and bring to a boil

6. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes

7. Salt and pepper to taste

How to modify your meal for your doshas:

VATA: Add steamed root veggies, extra salt, olive oil and soaked raisins

PITTA: Add steamed kale and carrots

KAPHA: Add extra black pepper and top with popcorn!

I hope you find this soup to be as as warming and supportive as I do.

Thank you for reading!