Heat oil in a soup pot or large saute pan.

Chop and add to the pan the onion, carrot,, and celery. Chop a mild pepper, mince a hot one, and mince garlic, and add them. Stir after each addition. Add cumin, and stir again, and allow to cook until starting to soften.

Rinse and pick over lentils, and add them to the pan. Stir to mix well with the vegetables. Add 4 cups of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.

Add coconut milk, and another 2 cups of water. Let simmer another 10 minutes to meld flavor.