Curry Lentil Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s as comforting as it is nutritious. With tender lentils, a medley of vegetables, and aromatic spices, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch. The combination of curry powder and coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a depth of flavor that will leave you coming back for more. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious soup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 tbsp curry powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (14-oz) can coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Lentils:
1.1. Rinse and Drain:
- Begin by rinsing the dried lentils under cold water to remove any debris or excess starch. Drain them well and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
2.1. Heat Oil:
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2.2. Cook Onion and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, just until fragrant.
2.3. Add Vegetables:
- Stir in the diced bell pepper and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add Spices:
3.1. Spice Blend:
- Add 2 tablespoons of curry powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the pot.
- Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices and cook for 1-2 minutes. This step helps to release the flavors of the spices.
4. Combine the Soup Ingredients:
4.1. Add Lentils and Liquids:
- Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables and spices.
- Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes with juice, and 1 can of coconut milk.
4.2. Bring to a Boil:
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer the Soup:
5.1. Reduce Heat:
- Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
5.2. Cook:
- Let the soup simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally. The lentils should be tender and the vegetables should be cooked through.
6. Season and Garnish:
6.1. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. If you want more spice, you can add additional cayenne pepper or curry powder.
6.2. Garnish:
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Lime wedges on the side add a fresh burst of flavor if you like a bit of tanginess.
Tips for Success:
- Lentils: Green or brown lentils work best for this recipe as they hold their shape better than red lentils. If you use red lentils, reduce the cooking time as they cook faster and tend to break down more.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and curry powder to suit your spice preference. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, sweet potatoes, or peas. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose.
Storage and Reheating:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a bit of water or broth if the soup thickens too much during storage.
Curry Lentil Soup is a delightful and nourishing dish that combines the comforting flavors of curry with the creamy texture of coconut milk. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your taste, and perfect for a variety of occasions. Enjoy a bowl of this flavorful soup with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
This recipe provides detailed instructions and tips to help you make a delicious Curry Lentil Soup at home. Enjoy your cooking!
