Curried Red Lentil Coconut Soup

Introduction:

This vibrant and hearty Curried Red Lentil Coconut Soup is a delightful blend of red lentils, coconut milk, and vegetables, simmered with aromatic spices for a comforting and nourishing meal. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger (or ginger paste)
• 1 tablespoon medium curry powder (e.g., Rajah mild Madras)
• 4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth (more if needed)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (or crushed fire-roasted tomatoes)
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
• 1 cup red lentils
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced small (6-7 ounces)
• 12 ounces roasted red peppers, well-drained and diced small
• 1 large russet or yellow potato, peeled and diced small (about 8 ounces)
• ½ cup finely chopped cilantro, divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Serving (optional):

• Lime wedges
• Greek yogurt
• Cilantro
• Thinly sliced scallions
• Avocado

Directions

1. Prepare the Base: Heat the oil in a medium-large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the garlic, ginger, and curry powder. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Build the Soup: Add the broth, crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, red lentils, diced carrots, roasted red peppers, diced potato, ¼ cup of the chopped cilantro (reserve the remaining ¼ cup), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer gently (uncovered), stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Finish and Adjust: Stir in the remaining ¼ cup cilantro. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
5. Serve: Divide the soup among bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, diced avocado, thinly sliced scallions, and/or lime wedges if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• For a Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper when adding the spices.
• Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken or tofu for added protein.
• Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and skip any dairy-based garnishes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: The soup can be made up to 3 days ahead. Let it cool, cover, and chill.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding more broth if necessary.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use other types of lentils? Red lentils work best for this recipe due to their quick cooking time and ability to break down into a creamy texture. Other lentils may require adjustments in cooking time.
2. Is this soup spicy? The soup is mildly spiced with curry powder. For more heat, consider adding extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
3. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
4. What can I use instead of coconut milk? You can use almond milk or a dairy alternative, but it will change the flavor and texture.
5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. What type of curry powder should I use? Medium curry powder is recommended for a balanced flavor. Adjust based on your preference for spice.
7. How can I make this soup thicker? For a thicker soup, blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender and stir it back into the pot.
8. Can I add other vegetables? Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach.
9. How do I make this soup less acidic? Reduce the amount of tomatoes or add a pinch of baking soda to neutralize acidity.
10. Can I use dried lentils instead of canned? Red lentils are generally used in their dried form, which you will need to rinse before cooking.

Conclusion

This Curried Red Lentil Coconut Soup offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures that makes for a hearty and nutritious meal. Perfect for cozying up on a chilly day or meal prepping for the week, this soup is both satisfying and versatile. Enjoy it with a squeeze of lime and a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra richness!

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