💛🧡 Cleansing Red Lentil Turmeric Soup: Gentle Detox for Your Body! 🥣✨
Description:
This warming Cleansing Red Lentil Turmeric Soup is a bowl of pure comfort, perfect for nourishing and gently detoxifying your body. Packed with plant protein, anti-inflammatory spices, and fiber-rich lentils, it’s light yet satisfying. Coconut milk adds a subtle creaminess, while lemon and fresh herbs brighten every spoonful. Whether you’re resetting your diet or just craving something wholesome, this soup is your go-to healing meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh turmeric (or ½ tsp ground turmeric)
- 1 cup (200g) red lentils, rinsed well
- 4 cups (960ml) vegetable broth
- 1 can (13.5 oz / 400ml) light coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté the aromatics:
Heat coconut or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). - Add garlic, ginger, and turmeric:
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and turmeric. Cook for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Add lentils and spices:
Add the rinsed red lentils, cumin, and coriander. Stir to coat the lentils with the spices. - Pour in liquids:
Add vegetable broth and coconut milk (if using). Bring to a gentle boil. - Simmer:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and breaking apart. - Season and finish:
Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, and enjoy warm!
Notes:
- If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for the last few minutes.
- For a smoother texture, you can partially blend the soup with an immersion blender.
- Fresh turmeric adds a beautiful earthy flavor, but ground turmeric is a fine substitute.
Tips:
- Rinse red lentils thoroughly — this removes excess starch and prevents a gummy texture.
- Use full-fat coconut milk if you want an extra creamy, luxurious soup.
- Add greens like spinach or kale at the end for an extra nutrient boost.
- Store in airtight containers — the flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day!
Servings:
Serves 4 as a starter or light meal, or 2–3 for a hearty main course.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: ~250 kcal (without coconut milk) or ~340 kcal (with coconut milk)
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 7g (without coconut milk) or 14g (with coconut milk)
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
(Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and amounts.)
Benefits:
- Rich in plant-based protein – supports muscle repair and satiety.
- High in fiber – aids digestion and promotes gut health.
- Anti-inflammatory – turmeric and ginger help fight inflammation naturally.
- Gentle detox – lemon and fresh herbs support natural body cleansing.
- Vegan and gluten-free – fits many dietary lifestyles!
Q/A Section:
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use green or brown lentils instead of red?
A: You can, but keep in mind they take longer to cook and will result in a chunkier texture.
Q: What can I substitute for coconut milk?
A: You can skip it entirely for a lighter soup or use another plant-based milk like oat or almond milk, but the flavor will be less rich.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped green chili when sautéing the aromatics.
Q: Is this soup good for weight loss?
A: Yes! It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and keeps you full longer, which can support weight management goals.
Would you like me to also include a “Quick Variations” section, like a Moroccan twist or a creamy blended version idea? 🌟🥄