Thai Coconut Curry Lentil Soup

I love this simple recipe from the Modern Proper. It’s the perfect dairy free, easy peasy nutritious soup that’s perfect for your Meatless Monday dinner. It whips up in a flash and is packed with flavor. I think you will love it too!
  • Serves: 4-8
  • Prep Time:  15 min
  • Cook Time:  30 min
Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
Dairy Free Meatless Monday Soup packed with flavor

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups dried green lentils
  • 2 (13.5 oz) cans coconut milk (I use lite)
  • 6 cups low sodium chicken stock or vegetable broth (for vegan)
  • 2 cups sweet potatoes, about 2 small potatoes, peeled and 1 1/2″ cubed
  • 4 cups packed kale, stems removed and torn into 2″ pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp salt (or as per your taste)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tbsp yellow curry powder
  • 1 cinnamon stick, or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Method

  1. In a 5 quart soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). 
  2. Add all other ingredients except for kale and bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer. 
  3. Allow the soup to simmer covered for 20 minutes.
  4. Add in kale and simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes. Serve with warm bread and enjoy! 

If using a slow-cooker, add all ingredients (except kale) and cook on low for 4 hours. Add kale for the last 30 minutes of cook time.

Nutrition Info

  • Calories 506 (if serving 4)
  • Protein 17 g
  • Carbohydrates 48 g
  • Total Fat 28 g
  • Dietary Fiber 13 g
  • Cholesterol l0 mg
  • sodium 327 mg
  • Total Sugars 15 g

Lentil soup is packed with nutrition, and this one in particular packs a nutritional punch. Vegan and vegetable-loaded, it’s a healthy, hearty power house. Here’s why lentils are so good for you:

  • Eating lentils may help to lower cholesterol, and having low cholesterol is associated with a lower risk for heart disease.
  • High in insoluble fiber, lentils take a long time to digest. This means that they can help to stabilize your blood sugar, and just generally are good for your digestive health.
  • Lentils are an excellent vegan source of protein! 26% of the calories in lentils come from protein. For this reason, lentils make a great vegan or “meatless Monday” option.
  • They’re also a great source of iron.

Spiced Lentils & Collard Greens

img_1843Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup black lentils
1 bunch of collared greens
1 yellow onion
1 lemon (including 2 tsp of lemon zest)
2 tsp. Ras El Hanout ( I like the one from William Sonoma)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the lentils:
Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling on high. (discard any pebbles you see in the lentils;   Rinse the lentils and drain thoroughly. Add the lentils to the pot of boiling water and cook, uncovered, 24 to 26 minutes, or until tender. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Set aside in a warm place.

4. Prepare the ingredients:
While the lentils cook, wash and dry the fresh produce. Peel and thinly slice the onion.
Remove and throw out the collard green stems and roughly chop the leaves.   Use a zester to get 2 tsps. of lemon zest from the lemon.  Cut the lemon in  quarters and take out the seeds.

img_1839

3. Cook the collard greens:
While the lentils continue to cook, in a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the onion and ras el hanout; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Add the collard greens; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly wilted. Add ½ cup of water and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until the collard greens have wilted and the water has cooked off. Transfer to a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Finish the lentils & plate your dish:
To the pot of cooked lentils, add the cooked collard greens, lemon zest and the juice of 2 lemon wedges (just 1/2 of the lemon); stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with your favorite fish or chicken dish.