Curried Red Lentil Soup with Dried Cherries and Cilantro

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 piece (about 2 inches) fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped (1/4 cup)
• 2 large carrots, peeled and finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk (reduced fat or regular), divided
• 5 cups water
• 1 cup dried red lentils, picked over and rinsed
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped tart dried cherries
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro stems, plus 3 tablespoons cilantro leaves for garnish