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Published: Feb 24, 2021 · Modified: Jul 14, 2021 by Carol · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup

Name: Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons canola or coconut oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons red curry paste (or to taste); 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (1/2-inch cubes); 1 can (15-ounce) petite diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 1/2 cups red lentils, picked over; 1 can (14.5-ounce) unsweetened coconut milk, light or regular; salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish if desired; 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (optional)

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Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup delivers delicious Thai-inspired comfort and warmth in a hurry in a light yet satisfying soup!

Photo of Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup in three gray bowls on wood surface.

You know it as well as I do–after a full day, dinner needs to have minimal steps. My Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup is perfect when you’ve had a long day and need some comfort and warmth in a hurry. This soup has a complex Thai-inspired flavor but comes together quickly with red curry paste.

Photo of Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup on wood cutting board in white Dutch oven.

Best red curry paste to use:

I no longer bother making my own red curry paste after discovering the Maesri line of curry pastes at a local international market. These pastes have plenty of punch, are made from real ingredients and flavorwise, beat grocery store brands hands down. Their Thai green curry paste is also fabulous!

What to know about red lentils:

Red lentils cook much faster than brown or green lentil and at approximately the same rate as the sweet potatoes.
It’s always a good idea to look lentils over for stones, sticks and odd-looking bits. Do this on a white paper plate so you can then easily add them to whatever you’re cooking.

How to make Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup:

Gather and prep the ingredients. You may already have much of this on hand:
- Coconut oil (or canola oil)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Red curry paste
- Red lentils
- Sweet potatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Canned petite diced tomatoes
- Coconut milk
- Lime juice (optional)
- Cilantro
- Salt and black pepper

Photo of ingredients for Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup in glass bowls.

Melt the coconut oil or heat the canola oil over medium-high heat.
Add the onions, reduce the heat and cook until they’ve softened up.

Process photo of onions cooking in white Dutch oven.

Add the garlic and the red curry paste and give it a quick stir.

Process photo of Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup with red curry paste added.

Then add the broth, sweet potatoes, lentils and tomatoes.

Process photo of Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup with sweet potatoes added.

Bring that up to a boil, then simmer until the red lentils and sweet potatoes are tender. Red lentils get super-soft but that’s what you want!

Process photo of Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup before coconut milk gets added.

Stir in the coconut milk and heat it through.

Process photo of Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup after coconut milk gets added.

Add cilantro and lime juice if using…
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Photo of Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup in white Dutch oven with soup ladle.

That’s it!

Photo of Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup garnished with lime and cilantro on blue distressed background.

Serve garnished with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges.

Photo of Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup in gray bowls on wood cutting board.

This soup freezes great so make a double batch and freeze in small portions for delicious Thai comfort all winter long!

Photo of Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup in gray bowl on wood surface garnished with lime and cilantro.

Enjoy and let’s eat!

Close-up photo of Thai Red Curry Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup in gray bowl garnished with lime and cilantro.

More great vegetarian and vegan soups you’ll love!

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Yield: 6