This curried carrot and lentil soup works as a side or a meal. Hardy red lentils and carrots make a delicious combo—and this vegan soup gets its creaminess from dairy-free coconut milk.
The ingredients in this soup are simple, but the flavors are full, with warm curry and creamy coconut. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip the pureeing step, or puree just partially to leave some texture. Enjoy!
Curried Carrot Lentil Soup
Creamy, spiced carrot and red lentils make the perfect warming seasonal soup.
- 2–3 tablespoons plus 4 cups water, divided
- 4 cups sliced carrot
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1½ tbsp curry powder
- 1-1¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground allspice (plus a pinch for garnish)
- ⅛ tsp chipotle powder (plus a pinch for garnish)
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- 3-4 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
- 4-5 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for serving
Pour 2 tablespoons water into a large soup pot and set over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onion, celery, curry powder, salt (starting with 1 teaspoon), allspice, and chipotle powder. Cook for 7–8minutes, until the onion and carrot have softened, adding more water if the veggies are sticking.
Add the lentils, 4 cups water, and coconut milk and stir. Increase the heat to high to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the lentils are fully softened.
Add 3 tablespoons lemon or lime juice. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree. Taste and add extra salt and lemon juice if needed. Divide the soup into bowls and serve sprinkled with cilantro and a pinch of allspice and/or chipotle powder, if desired.
Chipotle Note: There’s just a small amount of chipotle powder here, so as not to overpower the other flavors. A pinch or two gives a certain “something” in the background, especially if your curry powder is mild. If you don’t want any chipotle powder, feel free to omit. If you want to increase it, do so very modestly. Try another 1/8 teaspoon to start, and then determine if you want more.
Greens Boost: Before serving, add several cups of baby spinach and stir until just wilted.
Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
Related: Tabitha Brown’s Creamy Vegan Chickpea Soup With Kale and Rice