Ingredients
3 tbsp. coconut oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1" ginger, minced
6 cloves garlic, smashed
2 large carrots, diced
1 large russet potato, peeled and diced
3 c. torn kale
3 tbsp. curry powder
2 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. gochugaru (optional)
2 c. red lentils, rinsed
1 (14.5-oz.) can coconut milk
4 c. water
1 tbsp. coconut oil
3/4 c. cashews
1/4 c. pepitas
2 tbsp. sesame seeds
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. cumin seeds
1 tsp. caraway seeds or fennel seeds
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. granulated sugar
Fresh mint
Fresh thyme
Lemon zest
Preparation
Step 1In a large pot over medium heat, add oil, onion, ginger, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft, about 7 minutes. Add carrots, potatoes, kale, curry powder, salt, pepper, and gochugaru, and cook, stirring frequently, until kale wilts, about 3 minutes.Step 2Add lentils, coconut milk, and water. Bring to a simmer and reduce to medium-low heat. Cook, covered but stirring occasionally, until lentils are creamy and potatoes are tender, 17 to 20 minutes.Step 3Meanwhile, make spiced cashews: In a skillet over medium-low heat, add oil, cashews and pepitas and toast, stirring constantly, until cashews are lightly golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Add in all remaining ingredients and stir until fragrant, 2 minutes more.Step 4Garnish soup with spiced cashews, mint, thyme, and lemon zest before serving.
With this curried red lentil soup recipe, there’s a little something in here for everyone: chunky veggies in all that creaminess, plus a super well-spiced, crunchy nut topping that adds a bump of excitement. Top it all off with fresh herbs (mint and thyme are my favorites, but any will do!) and a touch of fresh lemon zest and you’ve got flavor on flavor on flavor. This soup can also take on any leftovers you want to throw in: roasted veggies, roasted chicken, or baked tofu will all work just fine if you need it to be even more substantial of a bowl. If you’ve made this recipe, drop us a comment down below and let us know your thoughts! If you tweaked it, definitely share your variations and results!