Green Lentil Soup with Curried Brown Butter

Name: Green Lentil Soup with Curried Brown Butter
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter, ghee, or coconut oil; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 5 1/2 cups good-tasting vegetable broth or water; 1 1/2 cups green lentils or green split peas, picked over and rinsed; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon Indian curry powder; 1/2 cup coconut milk; 1 pinch Fine sea salt; 1 handful Small cubes paneer, pan-fried in ghee or coconut oil, for garnish (optional)