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Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup Recipe

4.7 from 542 reviews

This Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup combines creamy coconut milk, red curry paste, and fragrant spices to create a comforting and flavorful dish. Packed with protein-rich red lentils and enhanced with lime juice and fresh cilantro, it’s a vibrant, healthy soup perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils (uncooked)
  • 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Onions: In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent, allowing the base flavors to develop.
  2. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the soup’s depth of flavor.
  3. Incorporate Spices and Curry Paste: Stir in the red curry paste and turmeric powder, mixing thoroughly to coat the onion mixture and release rich aromas.
  4. Add Lentils and Liquids: Add the red lentils, vegetable broth, and coconut milk to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender, allowing flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
  6. Blend the Soup (Optional): Once the lentils are cooked, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth if desired for a creamier texture.
  7. Season and Finish: Stir in the soy sauce and lime juice. Season with salt to taste, balancing acidity and saltiness.
  8. Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbal finish.

Notes

  • You can adjust the red curry paste amount to control the spiciness.
  • The immersion blender step is optional; some prefer a chunky texture with whole lentils.
  • Make sure to rinse red lentils before cooking to reduce foam and improve texture.
  • If you want a thicker soup, simmer longer or add less broth.
  • This soup is naturally gluten-free, but check soy sauce for gluten if needed.

Keywords: Thai soup, coconut milk soup, red lentil soup, vegetarian soup, easy Thai recipe, healthy soup, curry soup