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.

Jump to: Overview | Ingredients | How To Make | Watch The Video | Recipe Tips |  Serving Suggestions | Full Recipe Card | More Vegetarian Recipes

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.

More Vegetarian Recipes You Might Like

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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.

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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Vegan Picadillo is a delicious lentil stew with peppers, green olives, tomatoes, and just a hint of chocolate. And this tasty vegetarian Picadillo recipe is a perfect meatless main dish that everyone will enjoy!

PIN the Vegan Picadillo to try it later!

This delicious Vegan Picadillo (with Lentils, Peppers, and Green Olives) is a recipe I first made with my nephew Jake back when he cooked with me for the blog. And from the first bite this was one of Jake’s favorites out of all the recipes we tried together.

We both loved the sound of the inspiring stew recipe with lentils, sweet bell peppers, green olives, onion, garlic, chile powder and a hint of cocoa powder. Then when we tried the recipe Jake and I added oregano, canned tomatoes, a bit of Green Tabasco Sauce, and extra green olives.

We ate this with a generous shake of green Tabasco, and the Vegan Picadillo was a satisfying meatless dish that we both loved. And recently I made this again and took new pictures, which show off the recipe a lot better! And this time I added a little green olive juice to the Picadillo for even more flavor, plus I garnished the stew with sliced green olives, which probably appeals to all the green olive fans like myself! I hope you try it soon.

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.)

What is Picadillo?

The word “picadillo” means to mince, referring to small pieces of meat that usually make up the bulk of this dish. Of course in this vegan version of Picadillo the meat is replaced with lentils. Picadillo is traditional all over Latin America, where it’s usually made with beef and includes things like raisins, tomatoes, and olives.  Read more about Picadillo to find out what recipe variations are used in different countries.

Is the Vegan Picadillo recipe low in carbs?

Lentils do have some carbs of course, but they’re a good source of fiber. This delicious Picadillo made with lentils only has 14 net carbs per serving, with 8 grams of protein.

Is the Vegan Lentil Picadillo gluten-free?

This delicious Picadillo recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

How to Make Vegan Picadillo (with Lentils, Peppers, and Green Olives):

(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. Rinse lentils and pick out any broken ones.
2. Then simmer with garlic, salt, and water until lentils are soft. Drain over a pan to catch the liquid.
3. While lentils cook, chop the onions, red pepper, and green olives.  
4. Brown onions in a little olive oil in a pot that’s large enough to hold all the stew.
5. Add the minced garlic, diced red pepper, ground Ancho chile and Dried Oregano and cook a few minutes more.
6. Then add diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, cocoa powder, Monkfruit Sweetener, and diced green olives and simmer about 10 minutes.
7. Add the cooked lentils, 1 cup (or more) of the lentil cooking water and simmer 20-25 minutes on low heat.
8. Add the Green Tabasco Sauce and 1-2 T green olive juice and stir.
9. Serve the Vegan Picadillo hot. I loved this with some sliced green olives for garnish!
10. You can top the Picadillo with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream if you don’t care whether it’s vegan.

Make it a Vegetarian Meal:

This recipe for a meatless Picadillo is probably substantial enough to serve as a one-dish meal. But if you want something on the side, it would be good with one of these side dishes. (All are vegetarian but some are not vegan.)

More Meatless Recipes with Lentils:

Weekend Food Prep:

This Vegan Picadillo recipe 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:
Lentils have some carbs but they also have a lot of fiber, so I bet this is lower in carbs than you think. It might work for some people who eat moderate low-carb but it is too high in carbs for Keto. Vegan Picadillo would be approved for any phase of the original South Beach Diet. Remember that serving size for beans and legumes is limited for the South Beach Diet Phase One. 

Find More Recipes Like This One:
Use Soups 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 Vegan Picadillo recipe with lentils was first posted in 2012. The recipe was updated with better photos in 2017 and 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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