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Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup Recipe

4.8 from 102 reviews

This Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines red lentils with fragrant spices, coconut milk, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal, it features a blend of red curry paste, ginger, garlic, and turmeric, simmered to perfection and finished with a zesty lime touch and fresh cilantro garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

  1. Sauté Onions: 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, softening the onions and building the base flavor.
  2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step enhances the aromatic profile of the soup.
  3. Mix in Spices and Curry Paste: Stir in the red curry paste and turmeric powder, combining them well with the onion mixture to evenly distribute the flavors.
  4. Add Lentils and Liquids: Add the red lentils, vegetable broth, and coconut milk to the pot. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients, ensuring the lentils are submerged.
  5. Simmer Soup: 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 and have absorbed the flavors.
  6. Blend Soup (Optional): Once the lentils are cooked, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, achieving a creamy texture if desired.
  7. Season: Stir in the soy sauce and lime juice. Taste and season with salt accordingly to balance the flavors.
  8. Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of red curry paste.
  • Using an immersion blender is optional; leaving the soup chunky will give it a heartier texture.
  • For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk.
  • This soup stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Serve with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: Thai, coconut, red lentil, soup, vegan, curry, ginger, garlic, coconut milk, red curry paste