Spicy Lentil Coconut Soup

Featured in Comforting Bowls of Warmth.

Rich coconut milk blends with hearty lentils and loads of spice in this soup, just right for chilly weather and lazy days.

Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Wed, 21 May 2025 15:20:35 GMT
A bowl of lentil soup with some fresh cilantro, next to bread and half a lemon on the table. Pin it
A bowl of lentil soup with some fresh cilantro, next to bread and half a lemon on the table. | magichouserecipes.com

This coconut-red lentil soup is pure comfort in a bowl and brings a splash of global flair. Creamy coconut milk, punchy Garam Masala, and loads of fresh cilantro crank up the flavor. Toasty baguette on the side makes it next-level good.

Nutritious and filling

Packed with protein, fiber, and nourishing fats, this soup keeps you full and happy. It’s a laid-back, super speedy way to jazz up your vegetarian meals.

What you’ll need

  • Flavor Boost: Garam Masala, coriander, chili, lemon, salt, pepper.
  • Base: Ginger, 2 onions, 200 g red lentils.
  • Liquids: Stock, a splash of oil, 200 ml coconut milk, 800 g tomatoes.

Getting it on the stove

Finish Up
Mix in cilantro and lemon, taste, and dish it out.
Simmer
Pour in your liquids, then let everything bubble gently for 20 minutes.
Sauté
Toss everything with the spices and cook until fragrant.
Begin
Chop onion and ginger, rinse those lentils.

Pro tips

Blending makes it extra smooth. Toasting your spices unlocks deeper flavors. Adjust the heat to match your mood and serve the bread a little crisp.

A bowl of lentil soup topped with fresh cilantro and lemon slice, served with bread and fresh herbs on the side. Pin it
A bowl of lentil soup topped with fresh cilantro and lemon slice, served with bread and fresh herbs on the side. | magichouserecipes.com

Best ways to serve

Dish it up as a main or a starter with naan, baguette, or rice. Adding toasted cashews or a swirl of yogurt makes it fancy.

Storing leftovers

Keeps 3 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Stir when reheating so it stays silky.

Absolutely delicious

Super quick, packed with big flavors, healthy, and so easy to tweak. This one’s sure to become your new favorite.

Red lentils do it all

Quick-cooking, mild, and loaded with protein, iron, and fiber. They’re the perfect base for building tasty soups.

Spice it up your way

Swap Garam Masala for Curry or Ras el Hanout. Extra chili or Sriracha turns up the heat, while a pinch of cinnamon adds more depth.

A bowl of red lentil soup with cilantro on top, bread slices and lemon wedge circling it. Pin it
A bowl of red lentil soup with cilantro on top, bread slices and lemon wedge circling it. | magichouserecipes.com

Kid-friendly tip

Dial down the spices, then pile on croutons or chickpeas. A squeeze of lemon keeps it bright and kid-approved.

Eco-smart cooking

Lentils are gentle on the planet, shelf-stable, and help you avoid waste. Leftovers are just begging for a makeover.

Around the globe in one pot

From Indian to Thai or even Mediterranean style. Change up the spices and herbs to let this soup travel the world.

Easy meal prep

Perfect for making ahead and freezing in batches. Grab a healthy meal whenever you want—easy!

A bowl filled with lentil soup dressed up with cilantro, next to bread and a lemon wedge. Pin it
A bowl filled with lentil soup dressed up with cilantro, next to bread and a lemon wedge. | magichouserecipes.com

Make it party-ready

Top with nuts, fresh herbs, and some yogurt for flair. In pretty bowls, it’ll impress everyone at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I go with dried cilantro instead?

Fresh cilantro nails the flavor, but dried will work too. Just use about 1 or 2 teaspoons of the dried stuff.

→ Anything I can use instead of garam masala?

You can sub in curry powder. Even a mix of turmeric, cumin, and coriander will do the trick.

→ What about the soup’s texture?

Puree to your favorite thickness. Want it smooth? Blend the whole thing. Like some bits left? Only blend part of it.

→ Can I make this soup ahead?

Tastes even better after a day in the fridge. Keeps good for two or three days.

→ Is it super spicy?

You’re in charge of the heat. Add less chili if you want it mild, so even kids can enjoy it.

Spicy Lentil Coconut Soup

Tasty lentil soup with creamy coconut milk, ginger, and bold spices. Awesome with crisp baguette or fresh cilantro.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: German-Asian

Yield: 4 Servings (2L)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 baguette loaf
02 Salt
03 Pepper
04 1 teaspoon chili flakes
05 Juice from half a lemon
06 Half a bunch fresh cilantro
07 200 milliliters coconut milk
08 800 grams diced tomatoes from a can
09 150 milliliters veggie stock
10 2 teaspoons garam masala or curry powder
11 2 tablespoons canola oil
12 200 grams red lentils
13 A thumb-sized piece of ginger
14 2 onions

Instructions

Step 01

Chop your cilantro, let it simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes, mash up with a stick blender if you want it smoother, season to your liking with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon.

Step 02

Keep it bubbling on medium heat with a lid for 20 minutes.

Step 03

Toss in the lentils and garam masala, stir them in, then pour in the veggie broth, canned tomatoes, and coconut milk.

Step 04

Heat up the oil, toss in onions and chopped ginger, and let them soften for a couple minutes.

Step 05

Dice your onions. Peel and mince the ginger. Rinse your lentils and drain them well.

Notes

  1. If you like, you can blend the soup until smooth.
  2. Best enjoyed with a handful of fresh cilantro and some crusty baguette on the side.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pot
  • Strainer
  • If you want: stick blender

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 15 g