Name: Curry Lentil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon mild curry powder; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to taste; 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 cup dry French green lentils, rinsed; 2½ cups water; 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk; ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste; Freshly ground black pepper; ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Why Make This Recipe

Curry Lentil Soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients. The combination of lentils, coconut milk, and spices creates a deliciously hearty soup. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or meal prep for the week. Plus, it’s plant-based and wonderful for those looking to eat healthier.

How to Make Curry Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon mild curry powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 cup dry French green lentils, rinsed
2½ cups water
1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Directions:

Heat the coconut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt. Cook until soft and lightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Lower the heat and add the minced garlic, ginger, curry powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, lentils, water, coconut milk, ½ teaspoon of salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat.
Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender, about 25 to 35 minutes. If the soup is too thick, add ½ to 1 cup more water to achieve your desired consistency.
Stir in the cilantro and lime juice, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper before serving.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, reheating with a little water if it thickens.

How to Serve Curry Lentil Soup

Serve Curry Lentil Soup warm in bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor. You can also pair it with crusty bread, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Curry Lentil Soup

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the soup becomes too thick when reheating, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Tips to Make Curry Lentil Soup

Feel free to adjust the spices, adding more red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.
Use fresh herbs for garnish, as they enhance the flavor and presentation.
Make it ahead of time! The flavors develop more as it sits, making it even more delicious on day two.

Variation

For a different twist, you could add in vegetables like spinach or carrots to increase the nutrition and texture.

FAQs

Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?
Yes, using dried lentils works well. Just ensure to rinse and cook them properly as outlined in the directions.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in Curry Lentil Soup are gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I make it vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already plant-based and vegan-friendly due to the use of coconut milk instead of dairy products.