Name: Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils (uncooked); 1 can coconut milk (14 oz); 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 medium onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced); 1 tablespoon red curry paste; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; Salt, to taste; Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Introduction

This Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines creamy coconut milk with fragrant spices and tender lentils. It’s perfect for a cozy meal that’s both nourishing and easy to prepare.

A wooden bowl filled with thick yellow lentil soup that has visible chunks of orange carrot and green spinach leaves mixed throughout. The soup is topped with fresh green cilantro leaves and small bits of red chili flakes. The bowl sits on a wooden board with four slices of crusty bread that have a light brown crust and soft, textured inside. There are also three lime wedges with a light green color placed on the board. In the background, there is a smaller wooden bowl holding lime wedges, all arranged on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup red lentils (uncooked)
1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
1 tablespoon red curry paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the red curry paste and turmeric powder, mixing well to combine with the onion mixture.
Step 4: Add the red lentils, vegetable broth, and coconut milk to the pot. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Step 6: Once the lentils are cooked, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, if desired.
Step 7: Stir in the soy sauce and lime juice. Season with salt to taste.
Step 8: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or extra red curry paste.
You can substitute coconut milk with almond milk for a lighter version.
Add chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, blend the soup in batches using a regular blender.

Storage

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

A wooden bowl filled with a thick orange-yellow lentil soup mixed with dark green spinach leaves and small bright red chili pieces on top. The soup has a slightly chunky texture with visible lentils and finely grated orange carrot shreds scattered throughout. In the background, there are slices of crusty bread stacked, showing a soft white inside and a textured brown crust. Near the bowl, two lime wedges rest on a wooden surface. A wooden spoon is partially visible beside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils for this soup?

Red lentils work best here since they cook quickly and break down to create a creamy texture. Other lentils like green or brown will take longer to cook and won’t blend as smoothly.

Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients throughout. Just make sure your curry paste does not contain any fish sauce or shrimp paste.