Description
A warming and flavorful Spiced Pumpkin Lentil Soup combining hearty lentils, creamy pumpkin puree, and aromatic spices, simmered to perfection and finished with coconut milk for a rich, comforting bowl perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Spices
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Lentils & Vegetables
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, laying the flavor foundation for the soup.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant to bring out their fresh flavors.
- Bloom Spices: Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the spices to release their essential oils and deepen the flavor.
- Add Main Ingredients: Pour in the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, pumpkin puree, and diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender and fully cooked, thickening the soup naturally.
- Finish Soup: Stir in the coconut milk to add creaminess and richness. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright fresh contrast, if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Optional cayenne pepper adds a gentle heat; omit if you prefer a milder soup.
- Use red lentils as they cook quickly and break down to give a creamy texture.
- For a smoother soup, blend partially or fully after cooking.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Garnishing with fresh cilantro and lime juice enhances the flavor with brightness and freshness.
