Curry Lentil Soup

Curry lentil soup is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. This easy one-pot recipe features earthy lentils simmered in a flavorful curry sauce with spices, tomatoes, and vegetables. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it keeps well for days and can be frozen for later enjoyment. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, this curry lentil soup is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with lentils, vegetables, and spices, this soup is loaded with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with brown rice, lime wedges, or toppings like pickled onions for added flavor.
• Freezable Delight: Make a big batch and freeze portions for easy meals on busy days; simply reheat and enjoy!
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spice levels by modifying red pepper flakes or adding your favorite veggies to create your perfect bowl.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious curry lentil soup, you’ll need some key kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Chopping board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while allowing space for all the ingredients to simmer together.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while ensuring every ingredient is well mixed.
• Measuring spoons: Ensure accurate measurements of spices and liquids for balanced flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (cut into discs)
• 3 cloves garlic (grated)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)

For the Flavoring

• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)

For the Soup

• 5 cups vegetable broth (or more if needed)
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
• 1 pound potatoes (peeled and cut into bite-size chunks)
• 5 ounces kale (or spinach, chopped)

To Season

• 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 wedges lime

How to Make Curry Lentil Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot. Add 1 large chopped onion and 2 sliced carrots. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until softened. Next, incorporate 3 grated cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 2 teaspoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Sauté these ingredients together for another minute while stirring frequently.

Step 2: Let It Simmer

Pour in 5 cups of vegetable broth along with the can of crushed tomatoes. Add in 1 cup of dried lentils, 1 pound of diced potatoes, and 5 ounces of chopped kale. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Step 3: Serving Suggestions

Once cooked, taste the soup and adjust salt as needed before serving. We recommend garnishing each bowl with brown rice if desired. A squeeze of lime juice enhances flavor beautifully! For added texture and taste, consider topping it with pickled red onions or chopped scallions. Enjoy your warming bowl of curry lentil soup!

How to Serve Curry Lentil Soup

Curry lentil soup is a versatile dish perfect for various occasions. Whether you want a cozy dinner or a meal prep option, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With Rice

• Brown Rice: The nutty flavor of brown rice complements the soup’s spices beautifully.
• Coconut Rice: Add a hint of sweetness with coconut rice for an exotic twist.

With Toppings

• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances the spices.
• Pickled Red Onions: These add tangy crunch, enhancing the soup’s flavor profile.
• Chopped Scallions: Fresh scallions provide a burst of freshness and color.

As a Main Dish

• With Crusty Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread for dipping; perfect for soaking up every drop.
• In a Bread Bowl: For an impressive presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls.

How to Perfect Curry Lentil Soup

Creating the perfect curry lentil soup involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your preparation.

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices deliver better flavor compared to pre-ground ones.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth until reaching your desired consistency.
• Incorporate Seasonal Vegetables: Add seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to diversify flavors and nutrition.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for the best results.

Best Side Dishes for Curry Lentil Soup

Pairing side dishes with curry lentil soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent choices.

1. Naan Bread: Soft and fluffy naan is perfect for mopping up the delicious soup.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs adds a refreshing touch to balance the richness.
3. Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt-based side offers a nice contrast to spicy flavors in the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables provide added texture and nutrition.
5. Simple Green Salad: A mixed greens salad with vinaigrette gives a fresh crunch alongside the hearty soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains and veggies make an eye-catching side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Curry Lentil Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning properly can lead to bland soup. Always taste as you go and adjust spices accordingly.
• Skipping the sauté: Skipping the initial sautéing of vegetables dulls the flavor. Take time to cook the aromatics for rich taste.
• Overcooking lentils: Overcooked lentils turn mushy. Keep an eye on cooking time and test for doneness.
• Ignoring texture: Using too little broth makes soup too thick. Start with enough liquid and adjust as needed.
• Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes like lime juice or yogurt add brightness. Don’t skip these; they enhance the overall flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Curry Lentil Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Curry Lentil Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring often.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Curry Lentil Soup.

What is Curry Lentil Soup?

Curry Lentil Soup is a flavorful dish made with lentils simmered in spices, tomatoes, and vegetables. It’s hearty and perfect for any meal.

Can I customize my Curry Lentil Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or adjust spices to suit your taste preferences.

How do I store leftover Curry Lentil Soup?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure any garnishes like yogurt are plant-based.

Final Thoughts

Curry lentil soup is not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various vegetables or spices according to your preference. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Give it a try, and enjoy the warmth it brings!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Curry Lentil Soup

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Curry Lentil Soup is a delightful dish that warms both the body and soul. This nutritious, one-pot meal combines earthy lentils with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and rich tomatoes to create a comforting bowl that’s perfect for any occasion. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, this soup is not only easy to make but also freezes beautifully for later enjoyment. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, it offers a satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Customize the spice level to suit your taste, and enjoy this wholesome recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (grated)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 ounces)
• 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
• 1 pound potatoes (diced)
• 5 ounces kale (or spinach, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 wedges lime

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and carrots until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and red pepper flakes; sauté for another minute.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir in lentils, potatoes, and kale. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
5. Serve hot with optional garnishes like lime wedges or pickled onions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 14g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg