1cup chopped fresh tomatoes or 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
1/4cup shredded coconut
1/2pound okra, trimmed and sliced
1pound zucchini, trimmed and chopped
1/2cup dried lentils or split pigeon peas (tavoor dal), rinsed and picked over
4cups vegetable stock or water
2cups coconut milk or 1 14-ounce can mixed with a little water
12 fresh basil leaves, or fresh curry leaves if they’re available, torn
Instructions
Put the oil in a large pot over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally and lowering the heat to prevent burning if necessary, until the vegetables are golden and beginning to melt together, 10 to 20 minutes.
Turn the heat to medium-high and add the curry powder and turmeric. Cook, stirring frequently, until darkened and fragrant, just a minute or 2. Add the tomatoes, coconut, okra, zucchini, and lentils. Add the stock and coconut milk and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so that the soup bubbles gently but steadily.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and vegetables break apart, 30 to 40 minutes; add water as necessary to keep the mixture brothy. Add the basil leaves, stir once or twice, then taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve.