Description
A warm and comforting Curry Red Lentil Soup that blends earthy lentils with aromatic curry spices and creamy coconut milk. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this flavorful soup is perfect for cozy dinners or quick lunches with customizable spice levels and versatile serving options.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed thoroughly
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh tomatoes, chopped or 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Optional: yogurt or coconut cream dollop
- Optional: toasted seeds or chopped nuts for crunch
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Aromatics – Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Step 2: Toast the Spices – Sprinkle in the curry powder and stir continuously for about one minute to release the spices’ essential oils and deepen the aroma.
- Step 3: Add Lentils and Liquid – Add the rinsed red lentils to the pot along with the vegetable broth and fresh tomatoes or tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to cook gently.
- Step 4: Simmer Until Tender – Let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and starting to break down, creating a thick and creamy texture.
- Step 5: Stir in Coconut Milk – Pour in the coconut milk and heat through without boiling to maintain delicate flavors and add a velvety smooth finish.
- Step 6: Season and Serve – Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove grit and bitterness for a clean flavor.
- Simmer the soup gently on low heat to meld flavors without overcooking lentils.
- Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth for thinner consistency or simmer longer for a stew-like texture.
- Use fresh curry powder for the most vibrant and aromatic flavor.
- Don’t skip lemon juice as it adds brightness and balances the rich, creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg