Coconut Curry Red Lentil Soup

This tasty soup just might become a staple in your monthly menu after trying it. It is full of flavor with fresh herbs and healthy fats with the coconut milk. It also has Turmeric in it (yellow curry powder) which is a great anti-inflammatory spice.

3-4 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 to 2 cups water
• 1 small sweet potato, peeled and 1/4" cubed (roughly 2 cups)
• 1 carrot, diced
• 4 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon good-quality curry powder
• Pinch of cayenne, optional
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 7 ounces can whole-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (see note)
• For serving:
• Cooked grains, for serving
• Diced Scallions, for topping
• Cilantro/Parsley, for topping
• Toasted Coconut, for topping

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large stockpot combine lentils and vegetable broth, bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and add the sweet potato, carrot, and half the ginger. Continue to simmer until sweet potato is almost tender, about 10 minutes.
2. In a small skillet, add curry powder and toast until fragrant. Remove from skillet once toasted. Return skillet to stove and add coconut oil. Next, stir in remaining ginger, garlic, and raisins to skillet over medium low heat. Sauté for one minute, just until the garlic is fragrant. Add tomato paste and continue to cook for 1 to 2 more minutes. Finally, stir in the curry powder.
3. Add the tomato paste mixture along with the coconut milk and salt to the lentil base. Stir and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. I served this soup more as a hearty thick stew so you may need to play with the consistency by adding more water.

PREP 15 min
COOK 30 min
READY IN 45 min

*Source: Naturally Ella