Warm Spiced Lentil Bowl With Yogurt & Smoked Almonds

2 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 1/2 tsp whole cumin seeds
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 rib celery, chopped
1 medium leek, trimmed and chopped
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and drained
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup smoked almonds, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1) Heat oil in large saucepan over low heat. Add cumin seeds, and cook 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in carrot, celery and leek. Increase heat to medium-high, and saute 3 minutes. Stir in broth and lentils. Bring mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Stir in garlic, and cook 5 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
2) Ladle lentil mixture into 4 bowls, and garnish with almonds and yogurt.

Review: This mostly tasted like a normal lentil side dish. However, the smoked almonds gave it a very exotic flavor! I was surprised to see how much they cost, though. I think the almonds cost more than all of the other ingredients, combined!

Adapted from:

http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/warm-spiced-lentil-bowl-with-yogurt-and-smoked-almonds/