Vegan Curry Lentil Soup Recipe
Introduction
This Vegan Curry Lentil Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any day of the week. Packed with protein-rich lentils, creamy coconut milk, and warm spices, it offers a satisfying and nourishing meal that’s easy to make.

Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup split red lentils
- 1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans, drained
- 1 (13.5 oz.) can full fat coconut milk
- 32 oz. vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
- Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
- Step 2: Add minced garlic, curry powder, cumin, ground ginger, and cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute while stirring often to release the spices’ aromas.
- Step 3: Deglaze the pan with a splash of vegetable broth, scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Step 4: Stir in chickpeas, red lentils, coconut milk, and the remaining vegetable broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 5: Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer over medium to medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the lentils are tender.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your warm and creamy vegan curry lentil soup!
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced fresh chili when cooking the spices.
- Swap red lentils for green or brown lentils, but increase simmering time accordingly as they take longer to cook.
- Add chopped spinach or kale at the end for a boost of greens and color.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of it and then stir it back in.
Storage
Store leftover 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 vegetable broth if it thickens too much while cooling.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lentils instead of red lentils?
Yes, you can substitute green or brown lentils. Keep in mind they require longer cooking times and may change the soup’s texture slightly.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely before freezing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
PrintVegan Curry Lentil Soup Recipe
This Vegan Curry Lentil Soup is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and hearty lentils. It’s perfect as a nutritious, warming meal that is both filling and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Indian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Legumes & Liquids
- 1 cup split red lentils
- 1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans, drained
- 1 (13.5 oz.) can full fat coconut milk
- 32 oz. vegetable broth
Additional
- juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- Kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, curry powder, cumin, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to toast the spices and release their flavors.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour a splash of vegetable broth into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Add Legumes and Liquids: Add the drained chickpeas, split red lentils, coconut milk, and the remaining vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Soup: Increase heat to bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in fresh lime juice for brightness. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth to adjust the consistency as you like.
- Red lentils cook quickly and break down, giving the soup a creamy texture without blending.
- Adjust the spice levels by adding more curry powder or a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer it spicier.
- You can substitute garbanzo beans with other beans such as cannellini or black beans for a different flavor profile.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Keywords: vegan curry lentil soup, easy vegan soup, coconut milk lentil soup, cozy lentil recipe, plant-based curry soup

