Spiced Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-30 · Updated 2026-05-30

A warming lentil soup where half the broth is replaced with creamy coconut milk, balancing earthy spices and smooth richness for a hearty vegetarian meal. This Indian-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs red lentils, vegetable broth, coconut milk 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 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
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cups coconut milk
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 1 large, diced carrot
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 1 large diced carrot, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; cook, stirring, for 1 minute until spices are aromatic.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 3 cups vegetable broth, and 3 cups coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils are tender and soup has thickened.
4. Step 4: Season soup with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice.
5. Step 5: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish each with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.