This vegan curried lentil soup is wonderfully nourishing and easy to make in 30 minutes with simple, everyday ingredients.

Bowl of red lentil soup, pot of soup and another bowl of soup in background.
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Ingredient Notes
Step by Step Instructions
Notes and Tips
How to Store
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Curried Red Lentil Soup

Features

  • quick and easy: have it on the table in 30 minutes using just a handful of simple ingredients
  • dietary features: vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, soy-free, nut-free
  • nutrition features: low-fat, high-protein, high in fiber
  • meal prep: works well for food prep as the flavours only get better the next day, freezes well and budget-friendly too!

Ingredient Notes

Overhead view of labelled ingredients needed for making a curried red lentil soup.
  • red lentils – this soup is specifically made for red lentils
  • spices – you’ll need yellow curry powder, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper, if you want some heat you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne to your preference
  • diced tomatoes – any kind work but I like the organic fire-roasted ones from Muir Glen
  • coconut milk – use good quality, light coconut milk, you can use full-fat if you like but I prefer light in soups – up to you!
  • broth – use homemade or store-bought carton or cubes
  • sweetener – the recipe calls for a touch of coconut sugar which is lovely alongside the spices, it’s optional but I really like adding a little sweetness to curry recipes…sub with maple syrup if you like!

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located in the recipe card below.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1. Add the carrots, celery, onion and garlic to a large soup pot with 2 tbsp of water or vegetable broth. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often until they’re starting to soften.

Quick Note: If you prefer, you can cook the veggies in 1-2 tbsp of your choice of cooking oil but I prefer to cook them in water or broth.

Onion, garlic, carrots and celery sauteed in a skillet.

Step 2. Add the spices, stir and cook for a few more minutes. If needed, add another 1-2 tbsp of liquid to cook.

Step 3. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, coconut milk and broth. Stir then simmer lightly over low to medium heat until the lentils are soft. This should take about 20 minutes.

Lentils, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, onion and garlic cooking in a stock pot.
Overhead view of a pot of red lentil soup.

Step 4. Stir in the coconut sugar and soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari). Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Both of these ingredients are optional but I love the flavour they add.

Pouring a small dish of soy sauce into a pot of soup.

Serve hot topped with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro.

Hand spinkling cilantro over a bowl of lentil soup.

Notes and Tips

  • Sugar-Free Option: Omit coconut sugar.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Be sure to use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Be sure to use no salt added diced tomatoes and reduced sodium broth and soy sauce. Refrain from adding extra salt.

How to Store

  • Fridge: Let cool then store in a sealed container for up to 6 days.
  • Freezer: Let cool then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat stovetop or in the microwave until heated to your preference.
Overhead view of a bowl of lentil soup topped with cilantro.

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Bowl of red lentil soup, pot of soup and another bowl of soup in background.

Curried Red Lentil Soup

★★★★★ 5 from 25 reviews
  • Author: Deryn Macey
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

A cozy, curried soup that can be on the table in under 30 minutes. Chop a few veggies, throw everything in a pot, simmer until the lentils are tender and you’re done! 

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Add the carrots, celery, onion and garlic to a soup pot with 2 tbsp water or broth. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 5-6 minutes. 
  2. Add the spices and stir to combine. Cook for another minute or two, adding 1-2 tbsp more water or broth if the pot is getting too dry. 
  3. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, coconut milk and broth and stir to combine.
  4. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, uncovered over low to medium heat until the lentils are soft and almost mushy.
  5. Stir in the coconut sugar and soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari).
  6. Serve right away topped with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

The soup will thicken up considerably in the fridge. Enjoy it the next day as a stew or add a little broth or water to thin it back out.

Storing: Let cool before storing. Store in the fridge for up to 6 days or freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw overnight in fridge. Reheat stovetop or in the microwave until heated to your preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 13 g

Keywords: curried red lentil soup, curried lentil soup, vegan red lentil soup

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Originally published December 7, 2018. Updated with new photos and text on October 11, 2020.