Creamy Curried Lentil and Coconut Soup
This hearty and flavorful soup is a family favorite, perfect for cozy nights or meal prep for the week. Packed with nourishing brown lentils and enhanced by the richness of coconut milk, each spoonful offers a delightful balance of creaminess and savory spices. The sun-dried tomatoes introduce a delightful depth and slight tang, creating a unique flavor profile that you won’t forget. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking, and for those who want extra protein, consider adding turkey sausage to make it even more satisfying. Serve this delightful soup with warm Naan bread for a complete meal that warms the heart and comforts the soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown lentils
2 cups (rinsed)
carrots
2 large (diced)
onion
1 large (diced)
sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup (diced)
coconut milk
2 (14 ounce) cans (shake well before using)
water
3 cups (not applicable)
tomato paste
1/4 cup (not applicable)
chicken bouillon powder
4 tablespoons (not applicable)
curry powder
3-4 tablespoons (to taste)
turmeric
2 tablespoons (not applicable)
red pepper
1 dash (to taste)
cumin
2 tablespoons (not applicable)
coriander
2 tablespoons (not applicable)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the brown lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
2
In a large pot, combine the rinsed lentils with diced carrots, diced onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, coconut milk, water, tomato paste, chicken bouillon powder, and all your spices including curry powder, turmeric, red pepper, cumin, and coriander.
3
Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute the spices and ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
5
Allow the soup to cook for at least 2-4 hours, stirring occasionally. The lentils should be soft and the soup should thicken as it cooks; longer cooking times will enhance the flavor.
6
Once the soup reaches your desired consistency and flavor, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7
Serve hot with warm Naan bread on the side for a delicious meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include brown lentils, coconut milk, sun-dried tomatoes, carrots, onion, and a variety of spices like curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
How long does it take to cook the Creamy Curried Lentil and Coconut Soup?
The soup should simmer for at least 2 to 4 hours to allow the lentils to soften and the flavors to fully develop.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is gluten-free.
Is this soup vegan?
While the recipe tags mention vegan, the ingredient list calls for chicken bouillon powder. To make it strictly vegan, simply substitute the chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon.
What kind of lentils should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for brown lentils, which hold their shape well during long cooking times.
Do I need to soak the lentils beforehand?
No soaking is required; you only need to rinse the brown lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
What can I serve with this soup?
Warm Naan bread is the recommended accompaniment for a complete and comforting meal.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, adding turkey sausage is a great way to include extra protein and make the meal even more satisfying.
How much coconut milk is needed?
The recipe calls for two 14-ounce cans of coconut milk. Remember to shake them well before using.
Why are sun-dried tomatoes included?
Sun-dried tomatoes add a unique depth of flavor and a slight tang that complements the creamy coconut and savory spices.
How much curry powder should I add?
The recipe suggests 3 to 4 tablespoons of curry powder, but you can adjust this to your personal taste.
What other spices are in the soup?
In addition to curry powder, the soup contains turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a dash of red pepper for heat.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, this hearty soup is perfect for meal prep as the flavors continue to enhance over time.
How much water is added to the pot?
You should add 3 cups of water to the mixture along with the coconut milk.
What should the consistency of the soup be?
The soup should be thick and creamy. The lentils will soften and the liquid will reduce as it simmers.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of curry powder and red pepper to achieve your desired level of heat.
Do I need to use tomato paste?
Yes, 1/4 cup of tomato paste is used to help thicken the soup and provide a rich base.
How many carrots are required?
The recipe calls for 2 large carrots, diced.
Is there dairy in this recipe?
No, the creaminess comes from coconut milk, making it a dairy-free soup option.
How much turmeric is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of turmeric.
Can I use red lentils instead of brown?
You can, but red lentils cook much faster and tend to break down into a puree, so the texture will be significantly different and the cooking time will need to be reduced.
What is the role of cumin and coriander in this dish?
They provide earthy and citrusy undertones that balance the richness of the coconut milk and the warmth of the curry powder.
Does the soup require constant stirring?
No, you only need to stir occasionally to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed and nothing sticks to the bottom.
What size onion should I use?
One large onion, diced, is recommended for this recipe.
How much chicken bouillon powder is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of chicken bouillon powder.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy because it is packed with fiber-rich lentils, vegetables, and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
While the instructions describe a stovetop method, the long simmer time makes it very suitable for a slow cooker on high for 4 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
What is the total amount of lentils used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of brown lentils.
Should the sun-dried tomatoes be oil-packed?
The recipe doesn't specify, but oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes usually offer a more tender texture and richer flavor for soups.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup becomes thicker than you prefer during the long simmer, simply add a splash more water or coconut milk until you reach your desired consistency.