Namaste everyone, my name is Seema Bakshi, and today I am excited to share my recipe for Turmeric Coconut Curry Lentil Soup: Golden Comfort in a Bowl. This vegan, gluten-free soup is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy and flavorful meal that is guaranteed to warm you up on a cold day. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Seema Bakshi was born and raised in a small village in the northern region of India. Growing up, she developed a love for spices and aromatics through cooking traditional dishes with her family. When she moved to the United States for college, she started experimenting with fusion dishes that combine the flavors of her heritage with new techniques and ingredients. Today, Seema is a passionate home cook who enjoys sharing her recipes with friends and family.
Seema Bakshi currently resides in the United States and grew up in India.
I was born and raised in a small village in the northern region of India, where I learned the art of cooking from my mother and grandmother. Spices and aromatics were the heart and soul of our kitchen, and they still play a central role in my cooking today. This recipe for Turmeric Coconut Curry Lentil Soup is especially close to my heart because it combines the flavors of my heritage with new ingredients I’ve come to love since moving to the United States.
This recipe has its roots in Southeast Asia, where turmeric is a staple spice. Not only does turmeric add beautiful color to dishes, but it also has numerous health benefits and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The creamy coconut milk and curry powder in this soup create a beautiful depth of flavor that is both rich and comforting. I love adding in spinach at the end for a pop of green and an extra nutritional boost. In India, lentil soups like this one are a staple comfort food, and I’m excited to share my take on this nourishing classic with all of you.
What you need
This Turmeric Coconut Curry Lentil Soup is the perfect remedy for a chilly day or a winter cold. It’s a vegan and gluten-free soup that is packed with flavorful ingredients and nutrition. One of the unique ingredients in this recipe that add beautiful color and a boost of health benefits is turmeric. The curry powder and coconut milk work together to create a depth of flavor that is so creamy and comforting. To make this soup, first cook the lentils until tender, then sauté onions and garlic and add in curry powder and turmeric to bring out the flavors. Add diced carrots, tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot and let simmer. Finally, stir in coconut milk, spinach, and lime juice. The result is a golden delicious soup that is satisfying, healthy, and oh-so-comforting.
Ingredients:
- Lentils – Lentils are the main protein source in this soup. Green or brown lentils are recommended, but you can swap with red lentils for a creamier texture.
- Coconut Milk – Coconut milk is added to the soup to give it a rich and creamy texture. You could use light coconut milk if you prefer.
- Turmeric – Turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and gives the soup its golden color. You can substitute with curry powder if you don’t have turmeric.
- Vegetable Broth – Vegetable broth is used to create the soup base and add flavor. You can use water instead if you don’t have vegetable broth.
- Onion – Onion adds a savory flavor to the soup. You can use shallots instead if you prefer.
- Garlic – Garlic adds a sweet flavor to the dish and boosts the immune system. You can use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
- Carrots – Carrots add a sweet and earthy flavor to the soup. You can use sweet potatoes instead if you prefer.
- Tomatoes – Tomatoes add an acidic flavor to the soup and make it healthier. You can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available.
- Spinach – Spinach adds a freshness and nutrition to the soup. You can use kale or swiss chard instead if you prefer.
- Lime – Lime juice adds a zesty tang to the dish. You can use lemon juice instead if you don’t have limes.
- Salt – Salt enhances the flavors of the soup. You can use any type of salt you prefer – sea salt, kosher salt, etc.
- Pepper – Pepper adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the soup. You can use any type of pepper you prefer – black pepper, white pepper, etc.
Utensils:
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or ladle
Turmeric adds a colorful and healthy twist to this soup.
Turmeric is a spice that has been used in Indian cuisine for centuries and is known for its bright yellow color and health benefits. It contains a compound called curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful antioxidant. In this soup, turmeric adds a distinct flavor that works really well with the coconut milk and curry powder. It also gives the soup its golden color that is so visually appealing. So not only is turmeric good for you, but it also makes the soup look really beautiful. I love using turmeric in my cooking to add some extra flair and health benefits.
Coconut milk gives the soup a luxurious and creamy texture.
While coconut milk often gets a bad rap for being high in saturated fat, it is a healthier alternative to other dairy products. It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are easily digestible and can help boost metabolism and energy levels. But beyond that, coconut milk adds a luxurious and creamy texture to this soup that is so comforting and satisfying. This vegan and gluten-free soup is the perfect example of how using the right ingredients can make a dish taste both indulgent and healthy. I love using coconut milk in my cooking to add creaminess and depth of flavor, and it works especially well in this soup to create a comforting bowl of golden deliciousness.
What to serve it with?
When serving this Turmeric Coconut Curry Lentil Soup, I often pair it with a side of naan bread. Naan is a type of flatbread popular in South Asian cuisine, and it’s perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors of the soup. I love making my naan from scratch, and I have fond memories of kneading the dough with my mother as a child. It’s a comfort food for me, just like this soup. Plus, it’s a fun and interactive addition to any meal, as guests can tear off pieces to enjoy alongside their bowl of soup.
Summary
I hope you try making this Turmeric Coconut Curry Lentil Soup: Golden Comfort in a Bowl recipe at home! It’s always a hit in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. Don’t forget to share a photo with me and let me know what you think of the recipe in the comments section! I’d love to hear how you made it your own or any tips you have for enhancing the flavor. And if you’re looking for more South Asian-inspired recipes, make sure to follow my blog for new ideas and inspiration. Happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Turmeric Coconut Curry Lentil Soup: Golden Comfort in a Bowl
Equipment
- large pot
- cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or ladle
Ingredients
- 1 cup Lentils
- 1 can Coconut Milk
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1, diced Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 medium, diced Carrots
- 2 medium, diced Tomatoes
- 2 cups Spinach
- 1, juiced Lime
- To taste Salt
- To taste Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the lentils - Rinse the lentils and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Sauté onions and garlic - While the lentils are cooking, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add curry powder and turmeric - Add curry powder and turmeric to the pot with onions and garlic and stir for a minute or so to let the flavors bloom.
- Add the vegetables and vegetable broth - Add the diced carrots and tomatoes to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the coconut milk, spinach, and lime juice - Add the coconut milk and spinach to the pot and stir until the spinach has wilted. Finally, squeeze in the lime juice and stir to combine.
- Season and serve - Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Top with additional lime juice, cilantro, or chili flakes as desired.
