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October 5, 2023 Leave a Comment

Red Lentil Curry Soup

Red lentil curry soup topped with chopped cilantro in a soup bowl with the head of a spoon in the upper left corner.

 Talk about a bowl full of healthy comfort food. You’re going to love this Red Lentil Curry Soup. It’s the perfect Meatless Monday Dinner and is just right for a cool Fall night. Warm, hearty, and perfectly spiced, it pairs perfectly with my favorite Homemade Naan Bread.

A large pot of red lentil curry soup topped with chopped cilantro and a wooden spoon inserted into the soup.

With two giant teenagers who are trying to build muscle, I’m constantly looking for ways to add more protein and fiber to their diets. Lentils are a great source of fiber and protein–a total superfood. If you aren’t used to cooking with them, start with a recipe like this. You use an immersion blender to smooth out the soup, so it won’t even seem like you’re eating lentils. I love adding new soups to our Fall and Winter rotation. This is a great one. I’m excited for you to try it!

This recipe is dairy-free, and as long as you don’t dip Naan Bread in it, it’s gluten-free, too. 

A bowl of red lentil curry soup with a spoon on the left side of the bowl.Soups Perfect for Cold Days

  • Minestrone Soup
  • Classic Clam Chowder
  • Chicken Curry and Rice Soup
  • Thick and Creamy Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup
  • Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
  • Thick and Creamy Potato and Ham Soup

Step-by-step Photos of How to Make Red Lentil Curry Soup

14-photo picture collage of step-by-step photos of how to make Red Lentil Curry Soup.A bowl of red lentil curry soup with chopped cilantro sprinkled on top. A spoon is held above the soup from the right with soup on it.Questions for How to Make Red Lentil Curry Soup

Do I need to let the lentils soak before making the soup?

For this recipe, you do not have to soak the lentils before making the soup. If you have problems digesting lentils, you can soak them in water for 4-5 hours before making the soup. When ready to make the soup, drain the water and add the lentils to the soup as stated in Step 4 in the instructions.

Will lite coconut milk work in this recipe?

I recommend using full-fat coconut milk. It works the best.

Do you recommend using spicy curry powder?

If you like spicy food, I recommend using 1 tablespoon spicy curry powder and then 1 tablespoon mild curry powder. You can also add red pepper flakes to your taste to give some heat to the soup.

A pot of red lentil curry soup sprinkled with chopped cilantro with a black serving spoon with a scoop of soup held just barely above the soup at an angle.Can I use chicken or vegetable broth in place of the water?

Yes, you can.

I don’t have an immersion blender. Can I make this soup without it?

Yes. The soup will have a chunky texture, but it will still taste good.

Can I substitute the red lentils for a different variety of lentils?

I have only made this soup with red lentils. If you choose to use a different type, I recommend lentils that cook up fast and turn soft. Not all lentils have the same cooking time, so you may need to let them simmer longer than what is called for in the instructions.

Two-photo Pinterest picture with the text of the title in the middle separating the photos.Chef’s Tools:

  • Large Pot
  • Chef’s Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Immersion Blender
  • Soup Bowls

For the Lentil Lovers

Instant-Pot-Lentils-with-Chicken-and-Sweet-PotatoInstant Pot Lentils with Chicken and Sweet PotatoA white and blue polka-dotted bowl filled with ham and lentil soup sitting on a large white polka-dotted blue plate with three bread sticks on the left of the bowl.Ham Bone Lentil Soupa blue plate holding a serving of ecuadorian lentil stew, carne asada, and ecuadorian yellow rice and a slice of limeEcuadorian Lentil Stew

Red Lentil Curry Soup
 
Print
Prep time
20 mins
Cook time
30 mins
Total time
50 mins
 
Flavorful and full of hidden veggies. You'll love the flavor and texture of this unique soup. Such a great one and perfect with Naan Bread on the side.
Author: Maria
Recipe type: Soup/Lentils
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 10-12 cups
Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1-2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 potato, peeled and diced
  • 4 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2 tbsp curry seasoning
  • 1½ tsp salt (add more later to taste up to another 1½ tsp)
  • ¾ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1½ cups red lentils
  • 1 29-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro, loosely--not packed
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk (full-fat works best)
Instructions
  1. In a large pot, add the olive oil and onion and saute for 3-5 minutes until tender and fragrant.
  2. Add the diced carrots, celery, potato, and crushed garlic. Saute for another 5 minutes.
  3. Now add the curry seasoning, salt, ground cumin, and ground turmeric. Saute for 1-2 minutes until spices are warm and fragrant.
  4. Next, add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, cilantro and water. Bring to a boil, and then turn down the heat, cover it with a lid, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes or until veggies are cooked through and lentils are completely tender.
  5. Use an immersion blender to blend it into a smooth consistency.
  6. Once it is smooth, stir in the coconut milk, taste, and add more salt to taste. (I used about 2-2½ tsp total, including the 1½ I added to the sauteed veggies.) **If you desire, you can use vegetable bouillon in place of the salt.
  7. Serve with a sprinkle of cilantro, if desired.
  8. Enjoy!
3.5.3251

 

Serve with...

How to Make Naan Bread {Step by Step Instructions and Pictures}How to Make Perfect Artisan Bread {Step by Step Instructions and Pictures}One-hour-Dinner-rolls-recipeOne Hour Dinner Rolls

Pinterest picture with the text "Red Lentil Curry Soup" at the top.

Beans/Legumes, Dinners, Fall, Gluten Free, Healthy Recipes, High Fiber Recipes, Ingredients, Main Categories, More, Recipes, Seasonal, Soup/Stew/Chili, Tomatoes
Lentil Curry Soup, Lentil Curry Soup Recipe, Red Lentil Curry Soup, Red Lentil Curry Soup Recipe, Red Lentil Soup, Red Lentil Soup Recipe
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Welcome friends!

Hi, I'm Maria. A mom of five and a total foodie. My superpower is taking ordinary recipes and making them DELICIOUS. Your family will LOVE these meals! Come cook with me, I promise it will be amazing! Get started here or search my archives below.


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