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Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup Recipe

4.8 from 148 reviews

This Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup is a creamy and flavorful vegan dish that combines the richness of coconut milk with fragrant red curry, fresh ginger, and red lentils. It’s a comforting and nutritious soup perfect for a warming meal, featuring a smooth texture and a hint of lime for brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 1 cup red lentils (uncooked)
  • 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)

Seasonings and Garnishes

  • 1 tablespoon red curry paste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 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 the onions become translucent and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
  2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until these aromatics release their scent, enhancing the soup’s depth of flavor.
  3. Incorporate Spices: Add the red curry paste and turmeric powder to the pot. Mix thoroughly to blend the spices with the onion mixture, allowing their vibrant colors and flavors to develop.
  4. Add Lentils and Liquids: Pour in the red lentils, vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Stir well to combine all ingredients uniformly, forming the hearty base of the soup.
  5. Simmer: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils have softened and are tender.
  6. Blend Soup (Optional): Remove the pot from heat. If a smooth texture is desired, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy and even, or leave it as is for a chunkier consistency.
  7. Finish Seasoning: Stir the soy sauce and lime juice into the soup, then season with salt to taste. These final additions balance the richness and add brightness to the dish.
  8. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Enjoy the comforting, aromatic flavors of this Thai-inspired coconut lentil soup.

Notes

  • For a spicier soup, increase the amount of red curry paste according to preference.
  • If you prefer a thinner consistency, add additional vegetable broth until desired.
  • This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheats well.
  • To make the soup gluten-free, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
  • Leftover soup can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Keywords: Thai soup, coconut milk soup, red lentil soup, vegan soup, coconut curry soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipe