Lentil Red Curry Soup (Printable)

Hearty blend of lentils, coconut milk, and vegetables simmered with spicy red curry for a cozy, flavorful dish.

# What You Need:

→ Lentils & Pulses

01 - 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
05 - 1 medium carrot, diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 2 cups baby spinach
08 - 1 small zucchini, diced (optional)

→ Liquids

09 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
10 - 3 tablespoons red curry paste
11 - 1 can (400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
12 - 4 cups vegetable broth
13 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
14 - Juice of 1 lime

→ Seasonings & Garnishes

15 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
17 - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
18 - Lime wedges for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add red curry paste and ground turmeric, stirring continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to release aromatics.
04 - Add diced carrot, red bell pepper, and optional zucchini; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - Add rinsed lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and soy sauce. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender.
06 - Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
07 - Incorporate lime juice and adjust seasoning with salt to taste. Serve garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour, which means weeknight dinner without the stress.
  • The lentils give you substance and protein, so you actually feel satisfied afterward.
  • One pot means less cleanup, and honestly, that's half the battle on tired evenings.
02 -
  • Don't let the curry paste burn; medium heat is your friend, and stirring prevents regrettable scorched flavors.
  • Red lentils fall apart if overcooked, so 25 minutes is your ceiling; taste them at 20 to see where you stand.
  • Full-fat coconut milk makes a real difference; the soup becomes creamy and complete instead of thin and apologetic.
03 -
  • Toast your spices in the oil for an extra minute before adding other ingredients; it releases oils and makes them taste more alive.
  • Keep your vegetable broth warm on a separate burner so it doesn't shock the pot and cause uneven cooking.
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