How To Make Curried Red Lentil Soup Recipe – Effortlessly

Welcome to the vibrant world of soulful culinary creations; today, we’re delving into the heartwarming bowl of Curried Red Lentil Soup.

This comforting dish is more than just a meal—it’s an exciting journey, tracing the footsteps of rich traditions and cultural gastronomies, right from the bustling streets of India to your cozy kitchen.

Intensely flavorful yet simple, our curried red lentil soup is packed with a powerhouse of nutrients, showcasing a blend of red lentils, spices, and garden-fresh veggies. 

But it’s not just about nutrition. It’s about the love that goes into crafting every spoonful, the whispers of spices awakening your senses, and, most importantly, bringing global cuisine to your dinner table.

Join us as we reveal the secrets of transforming humble ingredients into a velvety-textured delight.

If you’re ready to level up your culinary prowess and embark on a flavor-packed journey, let’s dive into the world of Curried Red Lentil Soup.

What Is Curried Red Lentil Yogurt Soup?

Curried Red Lentil Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish inspired largely by South Asian cuisine where lentils, or ‘dal,’ are a staple.

The primary ingredients are red lentils, which are known for their quick cooking time and creamy consistency when cooked. These lentils form a rich, thick base for the soup.

The ‘curried’ aspect comes from the variety of spices used. This usually includes ingredients common in curry recipes like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and sometimes a dash of garam masala.

Alongside the lentils and spices, onions, garlic, and ginger are typically sautéed to create a flavorful base.

Other vegetables, such as carrots or tomatoes, might be added for additional depth and flavor. The soup is often finished with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and a handful of fresh cilantro for a touch of freshness.

This soup is not only delectable but also nutritious – packed with protein from the lentils and full of vitamins and minerals from the veggies and spices. It’s often enjoyed as a standalone meal or served alongside bread or rice.

Can You Vary Curried Red And Lentil Yogurt Soup With Other Ingredients?

• Add Other Vegetables Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand. Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can add more texture and nutrients to the soup.
• Use Different Spices If you prefer different spices, you can switch out the sweet curry powder or ras el hanout for your favorites. Smoked paprika, garam masala, or a dash of cinnamon can bring a different twist to the soup.
• Include Protein For a non-vegetarian version, you could add cooked chicken, turkey, or even shrimp. For a vegan protein boost, consider adding chickpeas or cubed tofu.
• Vary The Heat If you like more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño or other hot pepper. Conversely, for less heat, decrease or omit the cayenne.
• Add Coconut Milk You could replace a cup of water with a cup of full-fat coconut milk for a creamier soup. This will also add a delicious, tropical flavor to the soup.
• Garnishes Try different garnishes to add at the end. Fresh cilantro, parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of feta cheese can all add a fresh, flavorful touch.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for more nutrition and texture.

• Spices: Switch out the sweet curry powder or ras el hanout for smoked paprika, garam masala, or a dash of cinnamon for a different flavor profile.

• Protein: For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked chicken, turkey, or shrimp. For a vegan protein boost, add chickpeas or tofu.

• Heat: Increase or decrease the heat with more or less cayenne pepper, or add chopped jalapeño.

• Creaminess: Replace a cup of water with a cup of full-fat coconut milk for a creamier, tropical-flavored soup.

Add-Ons

• Grains: Add cooked quinoa, rice, or barley to the soup to make it more filling.

• Legumes: Aside from lentils, you can add cooked chickpeas or black beans for additional protein.

• Leafy Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale at the end of cooking for added nutrients.

Toppings

• Fresh Herbs: Top the soup with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or dill for a fresh flavor contrast.

• Seeds/Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds on top for a crunchy texture.

• Cheese: A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese can add a tangy flavor and creamy texture.

• Yogurt/Sour Cream: A dollop of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a vegan alternative can add a tangy creaminess.

• Citrus: Fresh lemon or lime juice squeeze can brighten the flavors.

Can I Make Curried Red Lentil Yogurt Soup In Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

• Rinse the lentils and add them to the slow cooker with chopped tomato, carrot, onion, sweet curry powder, ras el hanout (or cumin and turmeric mix), and cayenne pepper.

• Pour in the water and stir well to combine.

• Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the lentils are tender.

• Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.

• Stir in the Greek yogurt and lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Instant Pot

• Set the Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add a splash of oil or broth, then sauté the onion and carrot until softened.

• Add the sweet curry powder, ras el hanout (or cumin and turmeric mix), and cayenne pepper, sautéing for a minute or so until fragrant.

• Rinse the lentils and add them to the pot, chopped tomato, and water.

• Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual or pressure cook mode at high pressure for 10 minutes.

• After the cooking cycle completes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then move the pressure release valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.

• Once the pressure has fully released, open the pot and use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.

• Stir in the Greek yogurt and lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-bought Broth

This is a convenient option, especially when you’re short on time. Having a few cartons on hand for quick meals is always helpful. When choosing a store-bought broth, look for low-sodium options, as they allow you to better control the saltiness of your dish. Also, check the ingredients list to avoid broths with additives or ingredients you may be sensitive to.

Homemade Broth

Making your own broth allows you to control the ingredients and the flavor profile. Homemade broth can be made from leftover vegetable scraps, chicken bones, beef bones, or seafood shells, and it’s often more flavorful and nutritious than store-bought versions.

How To Serve?

• Temperature: Serve the soup hot but not boiling. This allows the flavors to fully present themselves without burning your tongue.

• Garnish: Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, and a dash of additional spices like curry powder or cayenne pepper. This adds to the presentation and gives an extra burst of flavor.

• Accompaniments: Pair the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping or a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal. 

• Presentation: Serve the soup in deep bowls to keep it hot longer, and use color-contrasting dishes to make the vibrant color of the soup stand out.

• Freshness: Serve the soup immediately after cooking for the freshest taste. If you’ve made it ahead of time, reheat it gently on the stove until hot.

Perfect Side Dishes 

• Warm Naan Bread Or Pita: These are perfect for dipping into the soup and will complement the flavors beautifully.
• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, spiced soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts roasted with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper offer a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.
• Couscous Or Quinoa: These grains can be simply prepared and served on the side or even added to the soup for extra heartiness.
• Grilled Or Toasted Cheese Sandwich: If you’re not concerned about keeping it light, a grilled cheese sandwich can turn the soup into a comfort food meal.
• Baked Falafel: These little chickpea patties can provide additional protein and go very well with the flavors of the soup.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Make ahead: Prepare the soup base, excluding any delicate garnishes, up to 2 days in advance. This allows flavors to meld for a richer taste.
• Store properly: Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Reheat gently: When ready to serve, gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Check seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
• Garnish fresh: Add fresh herbs, a dollop of yogurt, or a squeeze of lemon just before serving for vibrant flavor.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Leftover Curried Red Lentil Soup Can Be Utilized In Several Tasty And Creative Ways:

• Stew Base: Use the leftover soup as a base for a hearty vegetable or chicken stew. Just add some additional veggies and protein, and let it simmer.
• Sauce for Pasta or Grains: Blend the soup until smooth and use it as a sauce for pasta, rice, or quinoa. Add some sautéed vegetables or grilled chicken for a complete meal.
• Dip or Spread: Blend the soup and use it as a dip for vegetables or a spread for sandwiches. The curry flavors will give a nice kick.
• Filling for Wraps or Burritos: Use the soup as a filling for wraps or burritos. You could add some fresh veggies, rice, or even some grilled meat or tofu.
• Hearty Shakshuka: Create a version of the Middle Eastern dish Shakshuka by reheating the soup in a skillet, making wells in the soup, and cracking eggs into them to poach.

TIPS

• Toast spices: Toasting curry spices enhances their flavor; do this briefly in a dry pan before adding to the soup.
• Rinse lentils: Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove excess starch, resulting in a cleaner taste.
• Add aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger for depth of flavor before adding other ingredients.
• Simmer gently: Cook lentils over low heat to ensure they soften without becoming mushy.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning, including salt, pepper, and additional curry powder, to suit your preference.
• Garnish generously: Finish with a swirl of coconut milk, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.

Nutrition Table