0.25 cupolive oil 1onions, yellowchopped 2carrotschopped 4 clovesgarlicminced 2 tspground cumin 1 tspcurry powder 0.5 tspthyme 1 can (28 oz)diced tomatoes 1 cupbrown or green lentilsrinsed 4 cupsvegetable broth 2 cupswater 1 tspsalt 1 pinchred pepper flakes 1 cupcollard greenschopped, tough ribs removed 1 tbsplemon juice to tasteblack pepper

1. Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat
2. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and carrot and cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 5 minutes
3. Add the garlic, cumin, curry powder and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often, in order to enhance their flavor.
4. Pour in the lentils, broth and the water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Raise heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
5. use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup
6. Add the chopped greens and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the greens have softened to your liking. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or lemon juice until the flavors really sing. For spicier soup, add another pinch or two of red pepper flakes.

Notes:
• Leftovers will keep well for about 4 days in the refrigerator, or can be frozen for several months (just defrost before serving).
• Recipe yields four large bowls of soup, or six more modest servings.