Half-Spoon Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
A comforting and mildly spiced lentil soup enriched with creamy coconut milk and vibrant curry flavors, perfect for a wholesome meal. This Indian-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, rinsed red lentils
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tsp curry powder and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, cooking for 1 minute to release the spices' aroma.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 3 cups vegetable broth, and 1 cup coconut milk to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender and the soup thickens.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
- Step 6: Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional cilantro if desired for a bright, fresh finish.








