Curried Red Lentil Soup

2 cups chopped onion

2 cloves garlic -- minced

7 1/2 cups water

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 1/2 cups red lentils

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Saute the onion and garlic in 1/2 cup of the water in a large pot until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add the seasonings and cook for 1 minute. Add the lentils and the remaining water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour. Stir in the vinegar. Garnish with parsley before serving.