Hearty Curried Red Lentil Potato Soup
This warming and hearty Curried Red Lentil Potato Soup comes together easily and provides comfort and nourishment, especially on a chilly winter evening or when you’re feeling under the weather. Packed with tender lentils, a mix of vegetables, and fragrant spices, this versatile soup can be customized to fit your personal spice preference. Whether enjoyed with a side of crusty bread or on its own, a bowl of this soup is sure to satisfy.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon
onion
1 (sliced)
garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
curry powder
1 tablespoon ((adjust to taste))
chili powder
1 teaspoon ((adjust to taste))
red lentils
1/2 cup (rinsed and drained)
yellow potato
1 (diced)
carrots
2 (sliced)
celery stalks
4 (sliced, includes leaves)
vegetable broth
4 cups ((plus extra if needed))
salt
(to taste)
pepper
(to taste)
chili sauce
(optional, for garnish)
fresh cilantro
(optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they become slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3
Add the curry powder and chili powder to the pot, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to release the spices' aromas.
4
Add the red lentils, diced potato, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Pour in enough vegetable broth to cover the vegetables.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for 25 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
6
If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
7
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of chili sauce before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Curried Red Lentil Potato Soup?
It is a warming, nourishing soup featuring tender lentils, a mix of vegetables, and fragrant spices like curry and chili powder.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is entirely vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients.
Is this red lentil potato soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as written.
What type of lentils should I use?
The recipe calls for red lentils, which cook quickly and provide a soft, thick consistency.
Can I substitute green lentils for red lentils?
You can, but green lentils take longer to cook and will result in a chunkier texture rather than a creamy one.
What kind of potato is best for this soup?
A yellow potato is recommended as it holds its shape well and adds a creamy texture.
How long does it take to cook this soup?
The soup takes about 5-10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to simmer, totaling about 35 minutes.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the amounts of curry powder and chili powder to suit your personal preference.
What vegetables are included in this soup?
The soup contains onion, garlic, yellow potato, carrots, and celery stalks.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?
If the lentils absorb too much liquid, simply add more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
What can I serve with this lentil soup?
It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or can be enjoyed on its own.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What is the purpose of cooking the spices for one minute?
Stirring the spices in oil before adding liquid helps release their aromas and deepen the flavor of the soup.
Is the celery leaves included in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests using the celery stalks including the leaves for extra flavor.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
The recipe asks for diced potatoes; peeling is optional based on your preference for texture.
How do I garnish the soup?
You can garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of chili sauce before serving.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is classified as an easy, one-pot style recipe with straightforward instructions.
Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, but you may need to add more salt and spices to compensate for the loss of flavor from the broth.
What should I do if the lentils are still hard?
Simmer for a few extra minutes and ensure there is enough liquid in the pot for them to soften.
Is this soup good for when you are sick?
Yes, the warming spices and nourishing vegetables make it a great choice when feeling under the weather.
Can I use avocado oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, any neutral cooking oil will work for sautéing the onions.
How finely should I chop the garlic?
The garlic should be finely chopped so it distributes evenly and cooks quickly without burning.
Can I add coconut milk to this recipe?
Adding a splash of coconut milk at the end can add extra creaminess and a tropical flavor profile.
Is the chili sauce very spicy?
The spiciness depends on the brand you use; it is optional and intended as a garnish.
Does this soup contain cholesterol?
Based on the plant-based ingredients listed, this soup is naturally cholesterol-free.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, though sautéing the onions and spices first is recommended.
How do I prepare the lentils before cooking?
The lentils should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pot.
Is this a good winter recipe?
Absolutely, its hearty nature and warming spices make it perfect for chilly winter evenings.