Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup: Cozy & Versatile Recipe
There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially on a chilly day. That’s why I absolutely adore this Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup ( Instant Pot, stove top or slow cooker). It’s not just nourishing; it’s bursting with vibrant flavors and a beautiful golden hue that can brighten any meal. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or serving it up for a cozy gathering with friends, this soup fits the bill perfectly.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be made in your Instant Pot, on the stove top, or in a slow cooker. No matter how you choose to prepare it, the result is the same: a rich, hearty soup that’s packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep – just make a big batch at the start of the week and enjoy it throughout!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of these items in your pantry.
– Versatile cooking methods: Whether you prefer using an Instant Pot, stove top, or slow cooker, this recipe adapts to your kitchen setup.
– Healthy comfort food: Packed with lentils, sweet potatoes, and kale, this soup is nutritious and satisfying.
– Quick to make: With just 15 minutes total time, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
– Freezable leftovers: Make extra batches to enjoy later; this soup freezes beautifully for those busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup ( Instant Pot, stove top or slow cooker).
For the Soup Base
– 2 tbsp butter, ghee, or coconut oil
– 1/2 of a yellow onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp turmeric powder
– One inch knob of ginger, grated
– 1 and 1/4 cup red lentils
– 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 2 large carrots, sliced
– 5 cups good quality broth (homemade bone broth or veggie broth)
For Creaminess and Flavor
– 1 cup full fat coconut milk
– 3 cups kale, de-stemmed and sliced into thin ribbons
– 1/8 tsp black pepper
– Juice from 1/2 lemon
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for serving)
Variations
One of the best parts about cooking is making recipes your own! Here are some fun variations you might consider for this Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup:
– Swap out vegetables: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand; squash or spinach would be lovely additions!
– Add protein: For an extra boost of protein, consider adding chickpeas or shredded chicken if that fits your dietary preferences.
– Spice it up: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch.
– Switch the greens: If kale isn’t your favorite, try using Swiss chard or even spinach for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup ( Instant Pot, stove top or slow cooker)
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by turning your Instant Pot to SAUTE mode. Melt your chosen fat—whether it’s butter, ghee, or coconut oil—until it’s hot. Add in the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen! Next, stir in the minced garlic along with curry powder and turmeric. Cook these spices for another 30 seconds until they’re fragrant; this step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Add Main Ingredients
Once you’ve sautéed the aromatics and turned off the Instant Pot, it’s time to add in some heartiness. Stir in grated ginger along with red lentils, sweet potatoes, carrots, and broth. Lock the lid onto the Instant Pot and ensure that the vent valve is set to “sealing.” Cook on HIGH pressure for just 5 minutes before performing a quick release of pressure. This method helps all those wonderful flavors meld together quickly while keeping everything tender.
Step 3: Final Touches
Now that your base is ready in the Instant Pot (or pot), set it back to SAUTE mode again. Add in creamy coconut milk along with sliced kale and black pepper. Stir everything well and let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the kale has softened nicely—it adds such great texture! Finally, turn off the heat and squeeze in freshly squeezed lemon juice along with fresh cilantro for that burst of freshness right before serving.
Step 4: Alternative Cooking Methods
If you prefer making this soup on the stove top instead of using an Instant Pot:
Melt your chosen fat in a large soup pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent as described above. Then follow through by adding garlic and spices before mixing in ginger along with lentils and veggies as per instructions above. Bring everything to boil over high heat then reduce heat to simmer covered for about 20 minutes until lentils are soft.
For those using a slow cooker:
Sauté onions first as mentioned before then scrape them into your slow cooker. Add ginger along with lentils veggies & broth then let it cook on LOW for about five to six hours before stirring in coconut milk & kale towards end cooking time.
Enjoy every spoonful of this hearty Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup ( Instant Pot, stove top or slow cooker)! It’s sure to warm both your home and heart!
Pro Tips for Making Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup ( Instant Pot, stove top or slow cooker)
Making this Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup is not only easy but also rewarding! Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.
– Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can elevate the flavor of your soup. Consider buying whole spices and grinding them just before use for maximum flavor.
– Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of it before adding the kale. This will give you a creamy texture without the need for additional ingredients.
– Experiment with vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to customize the soup to your taste. Just be mindful of cooking times so everything is tender.
– Enhance the flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of miso paste when you stir in the coconut milk.
– Customize spice levels: If you enjoy heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions.
How to Serve Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup ( Instant Pot, stove top or slow cooker)
Serving your Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup can be as delightful as making it! With its vibrant color and rich flavors, you’ll want to present this dish beautifully.
Garnishes
– Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top adds brightness and enhances the flavors.
– Lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing that complements the soup beautifully.
– Avocado slices: Add creamy avocado slices on top for richness and additional nutrients.
Side Dishes
– Crusty bread: Serve with warm crusty bread for dipping; it’s perfect for soaking up that delicious broth.
– Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad pairs wonderfully and adds a nutritious touch.
– Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables make an excellent side that complements this hearty soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prepping can be a game-changer, especially when it comes to busy weeks. This soup stores well and makes for quick meals throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
– Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers.
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
– Portion out cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
– Label them with dates and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
– Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
– Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
FAQs
If you’re curious about variations or substitutions, here are some common questions answered!
Can I use green or brown lentils instead?
While red lentils work best in this recipe due to their quick cooking time and creamy consistency, you can substitute green or brown lentils but will need to adjust cooking times accordingly as they take longer to cook.
Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
Yes! You can use unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream as alternatives, but keep in mind that these may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Absolutely! You can stir in cooked chickpeas or tofu for added protein without compromising dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup as much as I do! It’s not only nourishing but also comforting, perfect for any day of the week. Don’t hesitate to try different variations, and most importantly, have fun in your kitchen! Happy cooking!
Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Turn your Instant Pot to SAUTE mode. Melt your chosen fat until it's hot. Add in the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic along with curry powder and turmeric, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add grated ginger, red lentils, sweet potatoes, carrots, and broth. Lock the lid onto the Instant Pot and ensure the vent valve is set to 'sealing.' Cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes before performing a quick release of pressure.
- Set the Instant Pot back to SAUTE mode. Add in coconut milk, sliced kale, and black pepper. Stir well and let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the kale has softened. Turn off the heat and squeeze in lemon juice and add fresh cilantro before serving.
- For stove top: Melt fat in a large soup pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and spices. Mix in ginger, lentils, and veggies. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to simmer covered for about 20 minutes until lentils are soft.
- For slow cooker: Sauté onions first, then scrape them into the slow cooker. Add ginger, lentils, veggies, and broth. Cook on LOW for about 5 to 6 hours before stirring in coconut milk and kale towards the end.
