If you're craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup that packs a flavorful punch, look no further than this Easy Curried Red Lentil Soup! Bursting with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, this Indian-inspired dish is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that serves four, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. Trust us, once you try this vibrant soup, it will become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 cup red lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. This includes 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of curry powder, 1 cup of red lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can (14 oz) of coconut milk, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to melt and become hot, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Next, add the minced garlic and curry powder to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
- Rinse the red lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This helps remove any dust or impurities from the lentils.
- Add the rinsed red lentils to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the lentils are well combined with the onion, garlic, and spices.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the can of coconut milk. This will add creaminess and richness to your soup. Mix well to combine.
- Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- After the final simmer, remove the pot from heat. You can use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency, or leave it chunky if you prefer.
- Serve the curried red lentil soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onion and mince your garlic the night before. This way, you can jump straight into cooking when you're ready!
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse red lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dust or impurities. This step ensures a cleaner and tastier soup.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions.
- Blend for Creaminess: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup after adding the coconut milk. This will create a velvety consistency that’s simply irresistible.
- Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, or a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty finish.
- Pair It Right: This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 0mg
