Red lentils are a pantry staple for a reason – they’re budget-friendly, quick-cooking, and incredibly versatile. This vegan red lentil recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Red Lentil Recipe Vegan
This red lentil recipe is much more than just a simple pot of lentils. It’s packed with aromatic vegetables, warming spices, and a creamy coconut milk finish that will have you craving seconds. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks.
- Budget-friendly: Lentils are an affordable source of plant-based protein, making this recipe kind on your wallet.
- Quick cooking: Unlike other lentils, red lentils cook quickly, making them ideal for weeknight meals.
- Highly adaptable: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to your liking.
Vegan Red Lentil Soup Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Let’s Make This Red Lentil Recipe Vegan
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pro Tip: “Don’t rush the sautéing process,” advises renowned vegan chef, Priya Sharma. “Allowing the aromatics to cook slowly helps to develop their flavors and creates a delicious base for your soup.”
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Bloom the spices: Add the cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne (if using) to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices become fragrant.
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Add the lentils and broth: Stir in the rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Red Lentil Soup Simmering
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Blend for creaminess (optional): If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then stir it back into the pot.
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Stir in the coconut milk: Stir in the coconut milk and diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. This red lentil soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of naan bread or rice.
Tips for the Best Red Lentil Recipe Vegan
- Rinse the lentils: Rinsing the lentils helps to remove any starch or debris, resulting in a clearer soup.
- Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as chopped carrots, celery, or spinach.
- Make it a complete meal: For a more substantial meal, serve the lentil soup with a side of brown rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
Vegan Red Lentil Soup Garnished
FAQs About This Vegan Red Lentil Recipe
Can I freeze this red lentil soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing.
What can I substitute for coconut milk?
If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use another plant-based milk, such as almond milk or cashew milk. You can also use water for a lighter soup.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simply sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the lentils are tender.
What other spices can I add?
Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as garam masala, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cinnamon.
Can I use brown or green lentils instead of red lentils?
While you can use other lentils, keep in mind that their cooking times will vary. Brown and green lentils will take longer to cook than red lentils.
This vegan red lentil recipe is a testament to how flavorful and satisfying plant-based cooking can be. It’s a delicious and nutritious meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
For more easy and delicious vegan recipes be sure to check out our vegan crock pot recipe, easy vegan potluck recipes, or vegan stuffed zucchini recipes. If you’re looking for more comforting soup recipes, you’ll love our vegan split pea soup slow cooker recipe or explore more of our crock pot recipes vegan.
