One-Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup with Spinach
A creamy, fragrant lentil soup simmered in coconut milk with curry spices and fresh spinach, perfect for a comforting vegan meal. This indian-inspired vegan ready in about 40 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 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp curry powder, and 1 tsp ground turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, and 3 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are tender.
- Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and stir in 3 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 3 more minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Adjust salt to taste and serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup with Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup with Spinach?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup with Spinach?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup with Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup with Spinach vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy one-pot meal that's healthy and delicious. Will make again and again.
- ★★★★★
This is the best vegan soup I've ever made! So comforting and packed with flavor.
- ★★★★★
My husband, who usually hates lentils, ate two bowls. The coconut and spinach combo is genius.
