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