Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry Soup
Warm up with this luscious and fragrant Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry Soup, a delightful blend of earthy red lentils and hearty chickpeas simmered in a rich coconut milk base. Infused with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables, this vegan soup is not only filling but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for cozy winter evenings, it's best enjoyed with warm naan bread or served as a comforting dahl over rice. Each bowl brims with flavor and is garnished with vibrant cilantro and a splash of tangy lime for an extra burst of freshness.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Curry powder
1 tablespoon (or up to 2 tablespoons for a stronger flavor)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Carrots
2 medium (peeled and diced)
Fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (grated)
Garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Tomato paste
1/3 cup (none)
Water
7 cups (none)
Coconut milk
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
Red lentils
2 cups (rinsed and drained)
Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (none)
Fresh cilantro
to taste (for garnish)
Lime wedge
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the curry powder and cinnamon, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes, until the spices release their fragrance.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then incorporate the diced carrots, grated ginger, chopped garlic, salt, sugar, and tomato paste. Cook this mixture, stirring continuously, for an additional 2 minutes to combine all flavors.
3
Carefully pour in the water and coconut milk, mixing well. Add the rinsed red lentils and drained chickpeas, stirring to combine. Increase the heat slightly to bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
4
Allow the soup to cook uncovered for approximately 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the consistency is thick and hearty.
5
Just before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice and adjust the seasoning to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy your nourishing soup!
Nutrition Information
3.875g
Fat
30.75g
Carbs
5.25g
Protein
6.5g
Fiber
1.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry Soup?
It is a fragrant, luscious vegan soup made from red lentils and chickpeas simmered in a coconut milk base with aromatic spices.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Is the Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry Soup gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this soup is naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What are the primary protein sources in this soup?
The main protein sources are red lentils and garbanzo beans (chickpeas).
What type of lentils should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of red lentils, which soften beautifully to create a thick consistency.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No, you only need to rinse and drain the red lentils before adding them to the pot.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer uncovered for approximately 25 minutes until the lentils are tender.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is best enjoyed with warm naan bread or served as a dahl over a bed of rice.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of curry powder, but you can use up to 2 tablespoons for a stronger flavor.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There is 3.875g of fat per serving.
How much fiber is in this recipe?
Each serving provides 6.5g of dietary fiber.
What provides the creaminess in the soup?
The creaminess comes from one 15-ounce can of coconut milk combined with the breakdown of the red lentils.
What aromatics are used in the base?
The soup base uses onion, carrots, fresh ginger, and garlic.
Why is tomato paste included?
Tomato paste is used to add depth of flavor and a rich, savory component to the broth.
How much protein is in each serving?
There is 5.25g of protein per serving.
What is the purpose of blooming the spices in oil?
Stirring the curry powder and cinnamon in hot oil for 2 minutes helps the spices release their full fragrance and flavor.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of sugar, and each serving has about 1.25g of sugar total.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
What garnishes are recommended?
The soup is traditionally garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
What role does the lime juice play?
Fresh lime juice is added at the end to provide a tangy burst of freshness that balances the rich coconut and spices.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh ginger?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger for the best flavor, though ground ginger could be used in a pinch (use about 1/2 teaspoon).
How much water is required?
The recipe requires 7 cups of water.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Yes, it is specifically described as a comforting, warming meal perfect for cozy winter evenings.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 17 ingredients in total, including garnishes.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, lentil soups often taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, nutrient-packed meal containing legumes and fresh vegetables.
What kind of pot should I use?
A large pot or a Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe.
Can I substitute the garbanzo beans?
While the recipe calls for chickpeas, you could likely substitute them with other white beans if preferred.
Does the soup contain cinnamon?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to add warmth and aromatic depth to the curry flavor.