Name: Carrot Lentil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 28, 2026

After a few rounds of tinkering, this carrot lentil soup has become one of my favorite weeknight staples. The brightness of lime juice, richness of coconut milk, and the finishing touch of cilantro and crispy chili oil make every bowl both comforting and lively the kind of meal you'll want to make again and again.

From the Cook

1/10

Carrot Lentil Soup

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningWheat and 2 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 10 minutes until golden.

Add carrots and garlic; cook another 10 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Add lentils, coconut milk, broth, lime juice, and salt. Stir well.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook 20-30 minutes, until carrots and lentils are tender.

Blend until smooth and creamy with an immersion blender. Adjust seasoning.

Serve hot, topped with crispy chili oil and chopped cilantro.

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My Calorie Intake

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Spice Bloom Magic 🌶️
Toast the ground spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander in hot olive oil for 30-45 seconds before adding vegetables to unlock their deepest, most complex flavors.
Lentil Rinse Technique 💧
Always rinse red lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent a mushy texture, ensuring a cleaner, more distinct soup consistency.
Coconut Milk Integration 🥥
Add coconut milk off the heat and stir gently to prevent separation, creating a smooth, luxurious texture without curdling.
Acid Balance Trick 🍋
Add lime juice in two stages - a small amount during cooking and the remainder just before serving to brighten the soup's overall flavor profile.
Chili Oil Drizzle Technique 🌈
Create a dramatic flavor finish by drizzling crispy chili oil in a circular pattern on top of the soup, allowing guests to mix it in for personalized heat levels.

Intelligent Tags

About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.