This curried coconut red lentil soup is creamy, cozy, and packed with plant-based protein. It’s an easy lentil soup that’s vegan, hearty, and perfect for weeknights.

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At A Glance

• Ready In: 45 minutes
• Serves: 4
• Diet: Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free
• Nutrition Highlights: High in plant-based protein and fiber
• Main Ingredients: Red lentils, coconut cream, curry paste, mild curry powder, spinach
• Flavor Profile: Creamy, gently spiced, slightly sweet, fresh lime finish
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Keeps 4 days in the fridge and freezes beautifully
• Best Served With: Crusty bread or warm naan for dipping

This curried coconut red lentil soup is one of those dinners I turn to when I want something nourishing but low effort. The red lentils break down beautifully, giving you that naturally creamy texture without needing any dairy or blending. The Thai red curry paste and curry powder work together to create warmth and depth, while the coconut cream makes it rich and silky.

You’ve got sweetness from the carrots and onion, gentle heat from the spices, and a fresh pop at the end from lime juice. The baby spinach wilts right in, adding color and a boost of fiber and nutrients.

It’s high in plant-based protein and fiber thanks to the lentils, completely vegan, and naturally gluten-free. It’s also great for meal prep — the flavors deepen as it sits, and it freezes like a dream. If you’re looking for an easy lentil soup that feels a little special but uses everyday ingredients, this is it.

Per serving: 370 calories, 15 grams protein, and 17grams fiber. Serve with a high-protein toast for extra 10 grams of protein.

You might also like these high-protein vegetarian dinner recipes: tofu rice bowls, lentil mushroom Bolognese, black bean tacos, butter chickpeas, or high-protein butternut squash soup. For a non-vegetarian version, check out this lentil soup with chicken. Check out my chicken bean soup, lentil soup with sweet potato or more meals high in protein and fiber here.

What You’ll Need

Here is what you’ll need for this coconut red lentil soup recipe. Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

• For aromatic base (flavor foundation) – onion, celery, carrots, salt, and oil for cooking; I use olive oil most of the time, but you can use avocado, coconut, or canola oil here
• Flavor Boosters: garlic for warmth and punch, fresh ginger for a gentle zing that lifts the soup, Thai red curry paste for that bold curry flavor, and mild curry powder for extra warmth and color, tomato paste for richness, color, and umami, sugar or honey to balance the acidity and spice
• Red lentils – high in protein and fiber; they cook quickly and turn creamy
• Vegetable stock – builds savory depth (have extra to thin if needed)
• Coconut cream – makes it luxuriously creamy (you can swap for full-fat coconut milk for a lighter option)
• Baby spinach – adds nutrients and color
• Lime juice – brightens and balances the richness (don’t skip!)
• Fresh cilantro (coriander) – fresh, herby finish
• Chili crisp (optional) – for extra heat and texture
• To Serve: Toast or crusty bread – perfect for dunking

How To Make Coconut Red Lentil Soup

Find the full recipe and nutritional information below. Here are some handy step-by-step photos for coconut red lentil soup.

• Sauté onion, celery, carrot, and salt in olive oil until soft and fragrant.
• Add garlic and ginger; cook briefly.
• Stir in curry paste, curry powder, tomato paste, and sugar; cook to deepen flavor.
• Add rinsed red lentils and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer about 20 minutes until lentils are soft.
• Stir in coconut cream and simmer 5–10 more minutes.
• Add spinach and let it wilt.
• Finish with lime juice, adjust salt, and serve with coriander and optional chili crisp.

Watch The Video

Recipe Tips

• Too thick? Add a splash of water or extra stock to loosen it. Red lentils thicken as they sit.
• Layer your salt. A small pinch during sautéing makes a big difference later.
• Want it smoother? Blend half the soup with a stick blender for extra creaminess.
• More heat? Add chili flakes or extra curry paste.
• Make-ahead: Tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer-friendly: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this curry lentil soup with thick slices of toasted sourdough or warm naan for dipping. It also pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. If you want to make it extra hearty, serve it over steamed rice for a cozy bowl situation.

If you’ve tried this coconut red lentil soup or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and or sign up to my Newsletter to see more of my delicious food.

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This lentil and sweet potato soup uses fridge and pantry staples and comes together in about 40 minutes — hearty, warmly spiced, and finished with a squeeze of lemon.

Jump to: Overview | Ingredients | How To Make | Recipe Tips |  Serving Suggestions | Full Recipe Card | More Soup Recipes

This is the soup you make on a weeknight when you don’t want to think too hard about dinner but still want something that actually fills you up. It’s built almost entirely from fridge and pantry staples — canned lentils, a sweet potato, some vegetables you probably already have — so there’s no special shopping trip required.

The sweet potato breaks down slightly as it cooks, giving the soup a little natural creaminess, while the lentils add that earthy, savory backbone. A squeeze of lemon at the end cuts through the richness and keeps it from tasting flat.

It’s loosely inspired by Turkish and Middle Eastern lentil soups, with the sweet potato swapped in for extra body and a gentle sweetness that plays well against the smoked paprika and cumin. Serve it with a piece of good bread, and you’ve got a properly satisfying, protein-and-fiber-packed dinner without much effort.

You might also like these lentil recipes: chicken lentil soup, curried coconut red lentil soup, Mediterranean chickpea soup, vegetarian Stroganoff (lentil & mushroom), lentil mushroom bolognese, or tuna lentil salad. You might also like my white bean and chicken soup.

What You’ll Need

How To Make Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup

Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip the mashing step. Even a few passes with a potato masher makes a real difference to the texture, giving you that creamy, hearty consistency without any blending or cream.
• Layer the salt. A pinch when you sauté the vegetables, then adjust again at the end after the lemon goes in — this builds better flavor than salting once at the finish.
• Swap the herbs. Dried oregano works just as well as thyme here if that’s what you have on hand.
• Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 4-5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer-friendly: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock or water if it’s thickened up too much.
• Make it your own: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra greens, or top with crumbled feta if you’re not keeping it vegan.

Serving Suggestions

A thick slice of sourdough or high-protein bread is really all you need alongside this soup — something to mop up the bowl with. A dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top adds a nice tang and creaminess, and fresh cilantro (or parsley, if that’s what you prefer) brightens it up. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes on top goes a long way. This also makes a great meal-prep lunch — just pack it into containers and reheat when you’re ready.

If you’ve tried this lentil and sweet potato soup or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and or sign up to my Newsletter to see more of my delicious food.

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This Vegan Lentil Chili has brown and red lentils, roasted red peppers, and olives and this flavorful meatless chili is also gluten-free. And even if you’re not vegan or vegetarian, you’ll love this lentil chili recipe!

Pin the Vegan Lentil Chili to try it later!

This Vegan Lentil Chili is is loaded with interesting and healthy plant-based ingredients that give it a wonderful combination of flavors. And this vegan chili recipe is so flavorful that I think it’s a perfect meatless dinner, even for people who aren’t vegans or even vegetarians.

I couldn’t resist adding red lentils along with the regular brown lentils this recipe started out with. I also added roasted red peppers and sliced olives for a little more flavor, and used canned vegetable broth as the base of the chili.

This was delicious as-is, but if you like tart flavors I think a generous squeeze of lime juice would add a pop or flavor to the Vegan Lentil Chili. And I’m guessing everyone who’s a fan of lentils will enjoy this tasty lentil chili recipe!

What ingredients do you need?

(This is only a list of ingredients; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe with ingredient amounts.)

What are lentils?

Lentils are the dried seeds of the lentil plant, and they’re legumes which are never eaten fresh but always dried right after ripening. There are many different kinds and colors of lentils, but the brown lentils and red lentils used in this recipe are the two I use most often.

Is the Vegan Lentil Chili low in carbs?

Lentils do have some carbs but they also have fiber, so this vegan chili with two types of lentils has about 16 net carbs per serving with 6 grams of protein.

Why do I use brown and red lentils for Vegan Lentil Chili?

You can definitely make this with all brown lentils if that’s have you have, but I love the additions of red lentils to this lentil chili recipe. Red lentils add a nice color to any recipe you use them in. They also cook more quickly than brown, green, or black lentils, so the red lentils will dissolve into the chili to thicken it.

Want more tasty recipes for chili?

Check out Healthy Chili Recipes Your Family Will Love! for more delicious chili recipes.

How to Make Vegan Lentil Chili:

(This is only a summary of the steps for the recipe; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe.)

1. Heat the oil and then cook the onions until they’re starting to brown. Add garlic and cook about one minute more.
2. Then add the chile powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and ground chipotle powder (or cayenne) and cook about 90 seconds more.
3. You can use all regular brown-green lentils like you normally find in the grocery store, but if you have red lentils, they will dissolve a little faster and thicken the chili, and the red ones add a nice sweetness.
4. When the spices are fragrant, add the brown lentils, red lentils, vegetable broth, water, and tomato sauce and start to simmer.
5. When red lentils are mostly dissolved and brown ones are nicely tender, add the sliced green onion, sliced olives, and diced roasted red bell pepper and simmer about 15-20 minutes more.
6. Serve the Vegan Lentil Chili hot, with a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

More Vegan Recipes with Lentils

Weekend Food Prep:

This vegan lentil chile recipe has been added to a category called Weekend Food Prep where you’ll find ideas to prep or cook on the weekend and eat during the week!

Low-Carb Diet / Low-Glycemic Diet / South Beach Diet Suggestions:
Vegan Lentil Chili would be too high in carbs for strict low-carb diet plans, but lentils have fiber so this recipe has only 16 net carbs per serving. Dried beans and lentils are approved for all phases of the original South Beach Diet, but they’re limited to 1/3 to 1/2 cup serving for Phase One. In a recipe like this Lentil Chili where there are lots of other healthy ingredients besides the lentils, you could have a larger serving.

Find More Recipes Like This One:
Use Soups and Stews to find more recipes like this one. Use the Diet Type Index to find more recipes suitable for a specific eating plan. You might also like to follow Kalyn’s Kitchen on Pinterest, on Facebook, on Instagram, on TikTok, or on YouTube to see all the good recipes I’m sharing there.

Historical Notes for this Recipe:
This Vegan Lentil Chili recipe was first posted in 2012. It was last updated with more information in 2025.

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This Sausage and Lentil Soup has roasted red pepper, and I love how spicy Italian Sausage adds flavor to this easy soup! And this recipe uses a generous amount of sausage and roasted peppers and not many lentils, so it’s surprisingly low in carbs!

PIN the Sausage and Lentil Soup to try it later!

This delicious Sausage and Lentil Soup is something I love to pull out of the freezer for an easy dinner, and it’s starting to feel like soup season in the northern hemisphere! And even though lentils have some carbs, this is definitely a carb-conscious soup with lots of sausage and peppers and not that many lentils. When I updated the recipe a few years ago I ended up using a whole package (19.5 oz.) of Italian sausage so there would be more sausage than lentils.

And lentils are high in fiber too, so with only one cup of dried lentils in six servings this soup would be a good choice for low-carb eaters. I love sausage, lentils, peppers, and all the other flavors in this soup, hope you enjoy trying it!

(This recipe was adapted to be a lower-carb version of Sausage, Lentil, and Tomato Soup. If anyone was a fan of that older recipe you can find the printer-friendly version back in the archives by using that link.)

What ingredients do you need for this recipe?

(This is only a list of ingredients; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe with ingredient amounts.)

How low in carbs is this Sausage and Lentil Soup?

This easy soup recipe with lots of sausage and peppers and only a small amount of lentils has only 10 net carbs per serving, with 8 grams of protein!

What red pepper did I use for Sausage and Lentil Soup?

I used roasted red pepper from a jar for this soup recipe, which made it quick and easy to get on the table! You can also use diced fresh red bell peppers; just add them a bit earlier in the cooking time.

Can you use red lentils for this soup?

I love red lentils (affiliate link) in soup and if you wanted to use them in this sausage lentil soup recipe they would cook a bit more quickly than the brown ones.

Can you freeze the Sausage and Lentil Soup?

I love stockpiling soup in the freezer during the winter, and this soup is great to freeze in individual containers and pull out later for a quick meal.

How to make Sausage and Lentil Soup:

(This is only a summary of the steps for the recipe; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe.)

1. Brown the sausage well and put it in the soup pot. (I used to use turkey Italian sausage for this soup, but now I can’t find that very often and pork sausage will also be delicious. Use either sweet or hot Italian sausage, whichever you prefer.)
2. Brown the onions and add to the soup pot with the chicken stock or broth, lentils, ground fennel, dried thyme, and dried sage.
3. Drain the roasted red peppers into a colander.
4. Let the soup simmer until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes.
5. When the lentils are tender, chop the red peppers and add to the soup.
6. Then let soup simmer about 45 minutes more, or until lentils are as soft as you prefer and flavors are well blended.
7. Season the Sausage and Lentil Soup with salt and fresh-ground black pepper and serve hot.

Make it a Carb-Conscious Meal:

Easy Sausage and Lentil Soup would taste great served with one of these tasty low-carb breads:

Weekend Food Prep:

This recipe for soup with sausage, peppers, and lentils has been added to a category called Weekend Food Prep where you’ll find recipes you can prep or cook on the weekend and eat during the week!

Low-Carb Diet / Low-Glycemic Diet / South Beach Diet Suggestions:
This Sausage and Lentil Soup has a lot of sausage and red peppers and a small amount of lentils, so it’s not much of a splurge for low-carb diets, but not low enough in carbs for strict Keto. With turkey Italian Sausage, this would be acceptable for any phase of the original South Beach Diet.

Find More Recipes Like This One:
Use Soup Recipes to find more recipes like this one. Use the Diet Type Index to find recipes suitable for a specific eating plan. You might also like to follow Kalyn’s Kitchen on Pinterest, on Facebook, on Instagram, on TikTok, or on YouTube to see all the good recipes I’m sharing there.

Historical Notes for This Recipe:
This delicious lentil soup with sausage was first posted in 2007 and I’ve enjoyed it so many times since then.  The recipe was last updated with more information and a adapted to be a slightly lower-carb version in 2025.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Mexican Red Lentil Stew is an easy recipe that’s always a hit, and this delicious stew is vegan and gluten-free! And if your family likes to celebrate Meatless Monday, this is a perfect idea for a vegetarian meal.

PIN this tasty Red Lentil Stew to make it later!

This tasty Mexican Red Lentil Stew is a dish I made regularly when I used to have a soup party every year, and people would gobble it up and go back for more. And recently I was glad to update the post with better photos after I made this red lentil stew for myself!

I love red lentils in soup or stew because they cook quickly and dissolve more quickly than regular lentils. And in this stew the lentils are seasoned with turmeric, ground cumin, and chile powder. Those spices plus the combination of lime and cilantro makes this a winner for me.

I always eat my bowl of red lentil stew with a dollop of sour cream, but if you skip the sour cream this recipe is vegan. I hope you’ll try it soon if you like these ingredients!

What ingredients do you need for this recipe?

(This is only a list of ingredients; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe.)

Can you use other lentils for this Red Lentil Stew recipe?

I encourage you to use red lentils for this stew, both for the flavor but also for the way they dissolve much more quickly than regular brown or green lentils when they’re cooked in soup or stew. But if that’s just not happening at your house, I’m sure regular brown lentils will still be tasty.

What gives the Mexican flavors in this lentil stew?

Ground cumin, ground Ancho chile peppers, Green Tabasco Sauce, and lime juice all give this lentil stew the Mexican vibe!

What if you don’t want cilantro in this lentil stew?

I do understand that cilantro doesn’t taste good to some people, and if you’re someone with the anti-cilantro tastebuds I would use thinly-sliced green onion instead.

How low in carbs is the Mexican Red Lentil Stew?

This tasty stew has 21 net carbs and 9 grams of protein per serving.

How to Make Mexican Red Lentil Stew:

(This is only a summary of the steps for the recipe; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe.)

1. The recipe starts by bringing the lentils and water to a boil, then letting the lentils sit covered for 30 minutes.
2. While the lentils are pre-cooking in the hot water, saute chopped onions and celery in olive oil for a few minutes, then add Minced Garlic and cook a bit more. Add ground Turmeric, ground cumin, and ground Ancho chile and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
3. Then add the vegetable broth, canned tomatoes, and hot sauce, and let simmer.
4. When lentils have cooked in the hot water for 30 minutes, add the softened lentils and water to the soup pot and cook about 15-30 minutes more, until lentils are soft.
5. At this point the soup isn’t too much in the looks department, but your kitchen will be smelling wonderful.
6. Taste and see if you want to add salt, pepper, or any more hot sauce.
7. While soup cooks, chop up a good-sized bunch of cilantro. (I used a whole cup of chopped cilantro, but you could get by with less.)
8. When lentils are soft and starting to dissolve into the soup, add the lime juice and cilantro (or thinly-sliced green onion) and cook about 5 minutes more.
9. Serve with more limes to squeeze into the stew if desired.
10. Mexican Red Lentil Stew is good with a dollop of sour cream or vegan sour cream substitute if desired.

Make it a carb-conscious meal:

The flavorful lentil stew would taste great with Olive Bread or Savory Almond Flour Bread.

More Vegetarian Soup or Stew:

Low-Carb Diet / Low-Glycemic Diet / South Beach Diet Suggestions:
This Mexican Red Lentil Stew is a great main dish for any phase of the original South Beach Diet, although dried beans and lentils are limited to a small serving for Phase One. It’s a bit high in carbs for a traditional low-carb diet plan, but lentils do have some fiber so the net carbs might be lower than you think; check the nutritional information above.

Find More Recipes Like This One:
Use Soup and Stew Recipes to find more recipes like this one. Use the Diet Type Index to find recipes suitable for a specific eating plan. You might also like to follow Kalyn’s Kitchen on Pinterest, on Facebook, on Instagram, on TikTok, or on YouTube to see all the good recipes I’m sharing there.

Historical Notes for this Recipe:
This red lentil stew with Mexican flavors was first posted in 2010. The recipe was last updated with more information in 2026.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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