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Cozy Coconut Curry Lentil Soup Recipe

This Coconut Curry Lentil Soup is perfect for chilly evenings, offering nourishment and a thrill of flavor, combining lentils with creamy coconut milk and spices.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

For the Soup

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 ml) coconut milk
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup dried red lentils
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Optional Toppings

  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced green onions
  • Chili flakes for heat

Instructions
 

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, allowing their aromas to infuse the oil for about 1 minute.
  • Tip: Avoid burning the garlic; keep an eye on it, as it can quickly turn bitter.

Step 2: Add the Spices

  • Sprinkle in the curry powder and turmeric, stirring to coat the onions. Allow them to bloom for about 30 seconds to activate their flavors.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

  • Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, stirring gently. Add the dried red lentils, diced carrot, and red bell pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

  • Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed flavor from the spices.
  • Tip: Stir occasionally to ensure the lentils do not stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

  • Once the soup reaches your desired thickness, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnishing each bowl with freshly chopped cilantro and any optional toppings you like.

Notes

Pro Tips for Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
Use fresh spices for the best flavor profile. Adjust the thickness by adding more broth for a lighter soup or cooking it longer for a heartier texture. Experiment with different lentils, like green or brown, but be mindful they may require longer cooking times. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or kale towards the end for extra nutrition.