Description
A creamy, cozy Thai-inspired red lentil soup made with coconut milk, warm aromatics, and bright lime. It comes together quickly, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers restaurant-level flavor in a nourishing, weeknight-friendly way.
Ingredients
Red Lentils – Cook quickly and create a naturally creamy base
Coconut Oil or Olive Oil – For sautéing aromatics
Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and depth
Garlic Cloves – Fresh and aromatic
Fresh Ginger – Bright, zesty warmth
Thai Red Curry Paste – Main flavor booster
Carrots – Add natural sweetness
Vegetable Broth – Base of the soup
Coconut Milk (Full Fat Recommended) – For silky richness
Fresh Lime Juice – Adds brightness
Baby Spinach or Kale – For color and nutrients
Salt + Pepper – Season to taste
Fresh Cilantro or Basil (Optional) – For serving
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the red curry paste and carrots. Let the paste cook into the aromatics for 1 minute.
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed red lentils. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat.
Cook for 15–20 minutes, until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened.
Stir in the coconut milk and keep the heat low so it warms gently.
Add the greens and let them wilt. Finish with fresh lime juice, then season with salt and pepper.
Serve warm, topped with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, use light coconut milk.
Adjust heat level by adding more or less curry paste.
The soup thickens as it cools; thin with broth when reheating.
Add chickpeas, tofu, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
Freezes well—add greens after reheating for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~320
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~540mg (varies by broth)
- Fat: ~15g
- Saturated Fat: ~10g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~34g
- Fiber: ~7g
- Protein: ~12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup, coconut curry lentil soup, vegan Thai lentil soup
