Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Lentil Soup

$- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon curry powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 carrot, diced - 2 cups fresh spinach - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - 1 tablespoon olive oil I love using simple, wholesome ingredients for this soup. The lentils are the star here. They give the soup a hearty feel. Coconut milk adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness. Vegetable broth brings depth to the flavor. The aromatics are key. Onion, garlic, and ginger are a must. They create a strong base and add warmth. The spices make the soup sing. Curry powder, cumin, and turmeric offer rich taste and color. Don't forget the veggies! Red bell pepper and carrot add crunch and sweetness. Fresh spinach brings a lovely green finish. Lastly, garnishing with cilantro adds a fresh note. You can also serve this with warm naan or rice for a filling meal. 1. Sauté Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until the onions turn soft and clear, about 5 minutes. This step brings out the rich flavors. 2. Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the sautéed onion mix. Next, add rinsed lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, diced red bell pepper, diced carrot, curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, and soy sauce. Stir everything well to mix the flavors. 3. Cooking Times: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are soft. The long cooking time allows all the flavors to blend nicely. 1. How to Properly Incorporate Spinach: About 15 minutes before you serve, add fresh spinach to the soup. Stir it in gently and let it wilt. This adds color and nutrients to your dish. 2. Adjusting Seasonings Before Serving: Before serving, taste the soup. Add salt and pepper as needed. This final touch ensures the flavors shine. Enjoy the comfort of this soup with warm naan or rice for a cozy meal! Rinsing lentils is a key step. Place them in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water. This removes dust and any small stones. Clean lentils will cook evenly and taste better. For the best texture, use dried green or brown lentils. They hold their shape well. Aim for a tender but not mushy consistency. Cook them until they are just soft. This usually takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. To amp up the taste, consider adding spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives it heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the soup. You can also add a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick. Seasoning to taste is very important. Start with the suggested salt and pepper. Taste the soup before serving and adjust. Each ingredient can change how it tastes, so feel free to experiment. Your personal touch makes all the difference! {{image_2}} You might want to swap some ingredients. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Both work well for flavor. If you need a vegan version, ensure your broth is plant-based. If you want to try different lentils, you can use red lentils. They cook faster and give a creamier texture. For vegetables, feel free to mix things up. Instead of red bell pepper, use yellow or orange peppers for a sweeter taste. Carrots can be swapped for zucchini or sweet potatoes. If you have other greens, kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach. These changes will still keep the soup delicious. Curry powder is key here, but don’t stop there. You can try different curry blends to find your favorite. Thai curry paste adds a kick and pairs well with coconut milk. For a mild flavor, use a sweet curry blend. Want to explore more? Regional variations can spice things up. South Asian styles often include mustard seeds and fresh herbs. Caribbean versions might add allspice or thyme for a unique twist. Each change brings a new taste, making every bowl special. To keep your soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge right after cooling. This soup lasts up to five days in the fridge. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. In the freezer, this soup can last up to three months. When you are ready to eat, reheat the soup gently. You can use the stove or the microwave. For stovetop reheating, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat. Stir often until it warms through. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. The soup may thicken after storage. If it does, add a bit of vegetable broth or water. This will bring back its creamy texture. Enjoy the rich flavors as they warm up! Can I use different types of lentils? Yes, you can use other lentils, like red or black. Each type changes the soup's texture and flavor. Red lentils cook faster and can make the soup thicker. Green or brown lentils hold their shape well. Experiment to find your favorite! How can I make this soup spicier? To add heat, try adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use a spicier curry powder or a dash of hot sauce. Start small, and adjust to your taste. The right spice can elevate your soup! Is it possible to make this dish in a conventional pot? Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. First, sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger in a pot. Then, add the other ingredients and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally and enjoy! This blog post covers everything you need for a great slow cooker coconut curry lentil soup. We discussed essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks, and variations. You learned how to enhance flavors and store leftovers properly. I hope you feel ready to make this comforting dish with confidence. Enjoy the rich flavors and easy prep that will make your soup a hit!$

Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Lentil Soup

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Lentil Soup! Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this easy recipe features lentils, coconut milk, and fresh veggies simmered to perfection. It's perfect for busy days as it cooks itself while you go about your routine. Don’t miss out on a warm and hearty meal—click through now to explore the complete recipe and enjoy a bowl of deliciousness!

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Ingredients

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

4 cups vegetable broth

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 carrot, diced

2 cups fresh spinach

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the sautéed onion mixture, lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, diced red bell pepper, carrot, curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric powder, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.

Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are tender.

Add Spinach: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup.

Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-8.5 hours | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in colorful bowls and sprinkle extra cilantro on top for a vibrant touch, alongside warm naan or rice for a complete meal.