Lentils. The quintessential food of crunchy vegetarian types. I don’t care about the stereotypes though — I love lentils. So does Mike. We probably have regular old brown lentils once a week just because we like them that much. But if you’re trying to convert someone to the cult of lentil, maybe try this recipe instead. Split red lentils are even quicker to cook, plus they’re prettier. Brown mush doesn’t sell as well.
Thai-Inspired Red Lentil Soup
- 1 cup split red lentils
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 3 tablespoons minced lemongrass*
- 1 serrano pepper, minced
- 1 teaspoon tamarind concentrate/paste
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- juice of 1 lime (~3 tablespoons)
- 3 cups water
- ½ cup canned full-fat coconut milk
- 4 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided
- Add all the ingredients except the coconut milk and cilantro to a medium pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Stir in the coconut milk. Pour into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
Serves 4
*To mince lemongrass, first peel away the fibrous outer layers. Then trim the root end and any woody stem section on the stalk side. You’ll end up with a smooth bulb, similar to a green onion in texture and shape.
This recipe is being shared in Gluten-Free Wednesday, Allergy Free Wednesday and Full Plate Thursday.
Oh how I love Thai food! I need to try to find some fresh lemongrass and tamarind paste. I’d love to try this. Great recipe, Kalinda!
I ordered the tamarind paste online. I got lucky in that my regular grocery store carries fresh lemongrass. I imagine it’s a bit more tricky to track down.
Your Thai Inspired Red Lentil Soup would be delicious on this cold day. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope you stay warm and cozy on this cold day.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
It’s not only cold, but snowy here. I probably need to make another batch.
This soup looks super delicious! I haven’t had Thai food in a long time. Definitely need to make this, so on to my Pinterest board it goes!
Could Lemongrass essential oil be used as a substitute?
Seems like you’d get the flavor, although I have no idea how much to tell you to use.