Recipes » Soups » Curried Red Lentil Soup
T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies

Author’s note: This hearty soup, in all its comforting glory, is one of my all-time favorites. It’s so very good on a cold night with a warm loaf of crusty bread, and it comes together in just about an hour. It’s also excellent for when you have company. Make it a day or two ahead of time; it just seems to improve with time, and it freezes well.

Ingredients

  • 1 large Vidalia onion, chopped
  • 3–4 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3¾ cups red lentils, rinsed
  • 1 Tbsp cumin
  • ¾ tsp turmeric
  • 1½ tsp coriander
  • 2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp curry or spicy curry
  • 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • Juice of one freshly squeezed lemon (around ¼ cup)

Instructions

Slow Cooker Instructions

  • 1. Add all ingredients except water and lemon juice to a large slow cooker pot.
  • 2. Cover and cook on the high setting for 5 hours.
  • 3. Use an immersion blender to create an even creamier texture, if desired. Stir in the water and fresh lemon juice, and serve hot.

Stovetop Instructions

  • 1. Add all ingredients except the lemon juice to a large soup pot. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  • 2. Cover and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils cook down to a smooth creamy soup.

Cooking Tips

  • 1. This soup pairs wonderfully with diced boiled potatoes, baby green peas, whole wheat pasta, or brown rice.

Copyright 2025 Center for Nutrition Studies. All rights reserved.

Deepen Your Knowledge With Our

Plant-Based Nutrition
Certificate
  • 23,000+ students
  • 100% online, learn at your own pace
  • No prerequisites
  • Continuing education credits