Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish made with simple pantry staples. The sweetness of the carrots blends perfectly with earthy red lentils, while the creamy texture and warm spices make it a satisfying meal in a single bowl. It’s quick to make, easy to clean up, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy lunches.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

carrots
red lentils
onion
garlic
ginger
vegetable broth
coconut milk
olive oil
cumin
turmeric
salt
pepper
lemon juice
fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant.

Add peeled and chopped carrots, red lentils, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper.

Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until carrots and lentils are tender.

Stir in coconut milk and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, or blend in batches using a countertop blender.

Stir in lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
Use sweet potatoes instead of carrots for a deeper flavor.
Stir in baby spinach at the end for extra greens.
Top with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess.
Swap coconut milk for cream or cashew milk if preferred.

storage/reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in a heat-safe bowl.
Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use green or brown lentils instead of red?

Red lentils cook faster and become creamier, but green or brown lentils can work with adjusted cooking time.

Is this soup spicy?

No, it’s mild, but you can add spice to taste.

Do I need to soak the lentils first?

No soaking is required for red lentils.

Can I use a regular blender?

Yes, but blend in batches and allow the soup to cool slightly before blending.

Is this soup vegan?

Yes, when made with vegetable broth and coconut milk, it’s fully vegan.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

What if I don’t have coconut milk?

You can use cream, milk, or any plant-based alternative.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to include parsnips, celery, or potatoes.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free.

Can I make it without oil?

Yes, sauté the vegetables in a splash of broth or water instead.

Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for any season. Whether you’re meal-prepping or serving a quick dinner, this soup delivers comfort and nourishment in every spoonful.