Red Lentil Coconut Soup

5 from 4 votes

This super creamy, comforting Red Lentil Coconut Soup is packed with flavor from Thai ingredients like red curry paste, lime juice, and cilantro. A splash of coconut milk takes this dish to the next level. This richly flavored soup comes together in about 30 minutes, making it easy enough for busy weeknights.

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time35

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Asian, Thai

Servings:

Calories: 330kcal

Author: Dr. Sonali Ruder

Equipment

Dutch oven

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
2 teaspoons grated or finely chopped ginger
2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
⅛- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¾ cup red lentils
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)- can substitute soy sauce
3 cups water
1 cup full-fat coconut milk, shaken well
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Optional: coconut milk, cilantro leaves and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large stockpot or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it softened, 5-6 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger, red curry paste, and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add the lentils and stir to coat them with the spices.
Add the crushed tomatoes, fish sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer until lentils are cooked, about 20 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk, lime juice, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper and cook a few more minutes.
Pour the soup into four bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of coconut milk and some cilantro leaves. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Use full-fat coconut milk to add creaminess to this soup; light coconut milk will be too watery and may separate as it cooks.
Any extra coconut milk from the can can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
This soup has a mild spice level but you can adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce like Sriracha.
You can add vegetables to this soup to make it heartier- potatoes, butternut squash, and spinach are all good options.
Thai fish sauce adds a pop of flavor to this dish. If you don't have it, you can substitute soy sauce.

Nutrition