Coconut Lentil Soup: The Perfect Comfort Food
Introduction
A perfect blend of healthy and hearty, the Coconut Lentil Soup brings warmth to your table nourishing your body and soul. Packed with nutritious lentils, flavorful spices, and creamy coconut milk, this soup delivers a heartwarming symphony of flavors that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why make this recipe
A powerhouse of nutrients, this soup offers an abundant supply of proteins from lentils, vitamins and minerals from vegetables, and healthy fats from coconut milk. Additionally, it is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and can be prepared within an hour.
How to make Coconut Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
– 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lime
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
1. Begin by heating coconut oil in a large pot, over medium heat. Add in the onion, garlic, and ginger, giving it a good stir until the onions become translucent.
2. Add in the turmeric, cumin, and chili flakes, stirring it for a minute until the spices become fragrant.
3. Include the lentils, vegetable broth, coconut milk, carrot, and bell pepper. Let it come to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the lentils become tender.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and give it a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Make sure to stir well.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
How to serve Coconut Lentil Soup
This soup is best served hot, fresh off the stove. Consider pairing it with a piece of crusty bread or a side of warm quinoa for added texture. Sprinkle an extra dash of chili flakes for heat and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pleasing color contrast.
How to store Coconut Lentil Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 4 days. Alternatively, freeze the soup for up to a month. Before serving, thaw and heat it on your stovetop.
Tips to make Coconut Lentil Soup
1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly to ensure they are clean.
2. Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili flakes according to your preference.
3. Don’t substitute coconut milk with a low-fat variant as the richness is necessary for the desired creaminess.
Variation (if any)
If you’re not vegan, consider adding chunks of chicken for extra protein. Additionally, you could throw in other vegetables like sweet potato, tomatoes or spinach.
FAQs
1. Could I make this Soup using green lentils?
Yes, but remember that green lentils hold their shape better and they may require a longer cooking time than red lentils.
2. Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely, you can adjust the chili flakes according to your tolerance.
3. How to avoid my Soup becoming too thick?
A possibility is that the lentils absorbed too much of the liquid, you can add warm vegetable broth or water to attain your preferred consistency.
Now go ahead, savor the tropical flavors right in your kitchen with this comforting Coconut Lentil Soup!