About this recipe
I first discovered red lentils years ago, and they quickly became a favorite in my kitchen. Their rich flavor, combined with the creaminess of coconut milk and vibrant Asian spices, makes them a delightful addition to any meal. As my diet became more plant-based, I found that this simple yet delicious dish became a regular at my table.
At home, we love customizing the soup to our tastes with cilantro, lemon, serrano pepper, and avocado—all placed at the center for everyone to enjoy.
About Red Lentils
Red lentils are small, nutritious, and cook incredibly fast. When cooked, they lose shape and color, but their flavor and texture remain delicious. They’re packed with protein and fiber, making them both healthy and filling.
Ingredient Notes
- Cumin: Whole cumin provides a more robust flavor, but ground cumin can be used as a substitute if you don’t have whole cumin.
- Coriander Seeds: Coriander adds a subtle citrusy flavor to the soup. If you don’t have whole seeds, ground coriander also works, use half the amount.
- Coconut Oil: It is recommended for its rich flavor and high smoke point. However, if preferred, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or olive oil.
- Red Lentils: Red lentils are widely available in most grocery stores, often in the dried beans or international food section. They cook quickly and soften easily, making them perfect for soups. Yellow lentils can be a good alternative if you can’t find red lentils.
- Vegetable Broth: For added flavor, you can use homemade or store-bought vegetable broth. If you don’t have broth, water works as a simple substitute.
- Coconut Milk: For a creamier, richer soup, use full-fat coconut milk from a can (not a tetra pack). The coconut flavor adds a wonderful depth to the dish. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use light coconut milk.
HOW TO MAKE RED LENTIL SOUP?
In a soup pot, toast the spices for one or two minutes until they begin to release their aroma. Then add the coconut oil and the onion to cook. When the onion is ready, add the water (4 cups), coconut milk, ginger, lentils, salt, and pepper.
Cover it and leave it on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. It is ready when the lentils lose color and shape. If you feel that it is very thick, add an extra cup of water.
Frequently Asked questions
Red Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons whole cumin
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 small or medium onion chopped
- 1 ½ cups red lentils
- 4 –5 cups water start with 4 cups
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger up to 2 tablespoons if you like more flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
- To Serve Optional:
- Fresh lemon juice
- Diced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced serrano chili
Instructions
- Toast the Spices: In a large pot, toast the cumin and coriander seeds over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Cook the Onion: Add coconut oil and chopped onion to the pot, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the Liquids: Stir in 4 cups of water, coconut milk, ginger, red lentils, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until the lentils soften and lose their shape. Add an extra cup of water if the soup is too thick.
- Serve: Finish the soup with a squeeze of lemon juice, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and serrano chili slices for an extra burst of flavor.
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Mi enfoque está en recetas que reúnen a las personas alrededor de la mesa, haciendo de cada comida un momento sencillo, delicioso y significativo. También soy autora de Yo Cocino Latino, y mis recetas han sido destacadas en varias revistas y publicaciones en línea.
¡Sígueme en mis redes sociales para inspiración diaria, tips y recetas deliciosas! Y si alguna vez pruebas una de mis recetas — o tienes una receta familiar favorita — ¡me encantaría saberlo! Mándame un DM en Instagram y hablemos de comida. 🍽️✨
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