olive oil • medium onion, chopped • medium carrot, chopped • celery rib, cut into 1⁄4-inch slices • medium green bell pepper, chopped • garlic clove, minced • serrano or other hot green chile, seeded and minced • grated fresh ginger • hot or mild curry powder • vegetable broth, homemade or store-bought, or water • ⁄2 cup red lentils, picked over, rinsed, and drained • Salt and freshly ground black pepper •
