1-POT GOLDEN CURRY LENTIL SOUP

It’s about that time of year for soup and lots of it. I’ve had a variation of this recipe in mind for quite some time now (it actually came to me while I was lying in savasana in yoga class – go figure), so I’m happy it now lives on the blog.

Friends, let’s make soup!

An overhead angle of the spices, vegetables, and ingredients required for golden curry lentil soup

This soup comes together in 1 pot in 30 minutes! Easy peasy.

We start by sautéing garlic, shallot, ginger, and serrano pepper until tender. Then add carrots, which are the primary vegetable in this soup. However, you can also sub other seasonal vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even pumpkin. Something hearty is preferred.

An overhead shot of sautéed carrots, shallot, ginger, garlic, and serrano pepper

Next comes vegetable broth and a little coconut milk for flavor and creaminess, along with the lentils for plenty of plant-based protein and fiber. I love the flavor of our DIY Curry Powder, but you can use store-bought (or a similar blend of spices) as well. Coconut aminos adds a little more body and depth.

Once the lentils are tender, it’s time to dig in!

An overhead shot of golden curried lentil soup with carrots, coconut milk, and curry powder

We hope you LOVE this soup! It’s:

Creamy
Nourishing
Satisfying
Subtly spiced
Versatile
Comforting
& Extremely delicious

This would make the perfect dish when you need something nourishing and delicious on the table fast. It’s tasty on its own, but it would also pair well with things like our Curried Quinoa Chickpea Burgers, Spicy Mango Chutney, and Savory Abundance Kale Salad!

For more nourishing soups, check out our 1-Pot Vegan Minestrone, Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili, Fire-Roasted Tomato & Mung Bean Soup, Romesco Soup with Smashed Chickpeas, and 1-Pot Everyday Lentil Soup.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!

An overhead shot of two bowls of golden curried lentil soup with hands holding one bowl and taking a scoop

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

SOUP

1/4 cup water (or sub half the amount in oil)
1/4 cup thinly sliced shallot (or onion)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp ginger, minced
1 small serrano pepper (seeds removed, minced)
2 cups thinly sliced carrots (or sub other sturdy seasonal vegetable)
1 healthy pinch sea salt
3 cups Vegetable Broth (or store-bought – we like Imagine brand)
3/4 cup light coconut milk
1 cup uncooked rinsed red or golden lentils (if using green or brown lentils, adjust cooking time as needed)
2 Tbsp coconut aminos
1 Tbsp Curry Powder (or store-bought)

FOR SERVING (optional)

Fresh lemon or lime juice
Cilantro
Coconut cream

Instructions

Heat a large rimmed skillet or pot over medium heat. Once hot, add water (or oil) and shallot. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and slightly browned.
Add garlic, ginger, and serrano pepper and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Then add carrots and a pinch of salt and stir. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
Add vegetable broth and coconut milk and increase heat to medium high. Bring to a low boil. Then add lentils and stir. Once the mixture comes back to a low bubble, reduce heat to low or until you achieve a gentle simmer.
Add coconut aminos and curry powder and stir once more. Simmer the soup uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-16 minutes or until the carrots and lentils are tender (red lentils cook pretty quickly, so if you’re using other lentils, adjust cook time as needed). If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add more coconut milk or vegetable broth as needed. (We added a bit more of each to thin.)
Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more salt or coconut aminos for saltiness / depth of flavor or more curry powder for intense curry flavor.
Divide between serving bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon juice or a little fresh coconut milk or cream (optional). Store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator up to 5 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop until hot, adding more vegetable broth to thin as needed.