Thai Coconut Lentil Soup

Thailand is a food lovers paradise. Loving the seasoning of the country, I set out to reinvent non traditional Thai dishes to hold the warm aroma and unmistakable seasoning of the country. This Thai Coconut Lentil Soup is nutrient dense and will keep you feeling full for hours.

Thai Coconut Lentil Soup

What You’ll Need:
1 white onion
1 – 2 inch” piece ginger (2 tbsp minced)
1/2 red serrano pepper, or to taste
*1 tbsp coriander seed
*4 tsp whole cumin seeds
*1 1/2 cups red lentils
4 cups vegetable stock
1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

What You’ll Do:
To cook the soup, heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toast the coriander and cumin for approximately 1-2 minutes, or until they just start to smoke and release their aroma.

Next, add the oil, followed by the onions and serrano pepper. Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes or until the onions are soft, translucent and starting to brown.

*Note: If desired, omit the oil and dry-sauté the onions with a bit of vegetable stock or water.

Next, add the ginger, lentils, stock, coconut milk, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, turn the heat to low, cover and let cook for 40 minutes or until the lentils are totally soft and broken down. Stir occasionally to ensure the lentils are not sticking to the bottom of the pot. If needed, add more water or stock until you reach your desired consistency.

Meanwhile, zest and juice the lemons. Chop the cilantro and set aside. To finish the soup, add the lemon juice, lemon zest and cilantro. Serve into warmed bowls and top with diced avocado and more cilantro and/or chili flakes, if desired.

Lentils are beneficial to the heart, circulation and stimulates the adrenal system. Lentils are a nutrient dense food. One cup of cooked lentils can provide us with the following nutrients daily.