Lentil Soup - Alton Brown's Recipe

This is Alton Brown's recipe that uses Grains of Paradise.

A substitute for Grains of Paradise is a mixture of Black Pepper, Cardamom & Ginger but can't find proportions anywhere so I'll just wing it.

Recipe for Alton Brown's Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 pound lentils, picked and rinsed
• 1 cup peeled and chopped tomatoes
• 2 quarts chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground toasted cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground grains of paradise

Directions

1. Place the olive oil into a large 6-quart Dutch oven and set over medium heat. 
2. Once hot, add the onion, carrot, celery and salt and sweat until the onions are translucent, approximately 6 to 7 minutes. 
3. Add the lentils, tomatoes, broth, coriander, cumin and grains of paradise and stir to combine.
4. Increase the heat to high and bring just to a boil. 
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook at a low simmer until the lentils are tender, approximately 35 to 40 minutes. 
6. Using a stick blender, puree to your preferred consistency. 
7. Serve immediately.