Coldest St. Patrick’s Day Weekend in 30 Years, Warming Red Lentil Carrot Soup, Benefits of Red Lentils

Are you tried of boring red lentil soups? I made a delicious and definitely not boring red lentil carrot soup with a spicy red curry kick!

Both my husband and I are huge Thai food fans hence my attempt too make an Asian inspired soup. I am 99% sure it’s not an authentic Thai soup, but it’s still really tasty especially on a COLD March Day.

Did anyone else take a winter get away vacation this year? I did and trust me, I wish I was back on the beach. We just experienced our COLDEST St. Patrick’s Day in 30 years. Oh My God I am so over winter.
I actually bailed on my favorite Shamrock 5K race this year. The roads were too icy, it was windy, and cold. Instead I dressed warm in my favorite color ~ green ~ and ran around my neighborhood!

Ok, so we’re on on a beach in Thailand sipping on red lentil soup…do I really want soup on a beach? Anyhow, since we are still freezing, this red lentil curry soup with a little bit of a kick will have to do.

Red lentil curry soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold winter day or any time you need a comforting and warming meal. This soup is packed with flavor and spices that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

All my favorite flavors:

• garlic
• fresh ginger
• lime juice
• coconut milk
• curry paste

This red lentil curry soup is a great way to incorporate healthy and flavorful ingredients into your diet. The red lentils provide a great source of protein and fiber, while the spices add an extra layer of flavor and health benefits.

Easy to make:

Surprisingly, this red lentil carrot soup is also pretty easy to make. It comes together quickly and since and it’s a perfect meal prep dish as it can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later consumption.

Here are some of the many benefits of incorporating red lentils into your diet:

1. High in protein: Red lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, with one cup providing around 18 grams of protein. This makes them a great addition to vegetarian or vegan diets, as well as for anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
2. Rich in fiber: Fiber is essential for maintaining digestive health, and red lentils are a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber can help to lower cholesterol levels, while insoluble fiber can promote regularity and prevent constipation.
3. Low in fat: Red lentils are a low-fat food, with less than one gram of fat per serving. This makes them a great choice for anyone looking to reduce their fat intake or maintain a healthy weight.
4. Packed with vitamins and minerals: Red lentils are a good source of several important vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, and folate. Iron is essential for healthy blood cells, while potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Folate is important for overall health, particularly for pregnant women as it helps to prevent birth defects.
5. Versatile and easy to cook: Red lentils are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes, including soups, stews, curries, salads, and more. They are also quick and easy to cook, taking just 15-20 minutes to prepare.

In conclusion, red lentils are a highly nutritious and versatile food that can be easily incorporated into a healthy diet. With their high protein and fiber content, low fat content, and numerous essential vitamins and minerals, they are an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health and well-being. So why not try adding some red lentils to your next meal and see the benefits for yourself!

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and nourishing meal!

RED LENTIL CARROT SOUP

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 White Onion finely diced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger fresh, grated 
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 4 tablespoon Red Curry Paste 
• 1 ½ cups Carrots roughly 1 large carrot or 2 smaller, grated
• 1 red pepper or aa bag of frozen mixed peppers
• 1 container of cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup Red Lentils uncooked, rinsed with cold water
• 4 cups Water or broth
• 1 tablespoon Lime Juice
• 1 can Coconut Milk

DESCRIPTION:

1. Heat oil over medium heat in a large stock pot.
2. Add onion and ginger and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add garlic and red curry paste and cook 2-3 minutes until garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Stir in carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Cover and cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add lentils and water to pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until lentils become tender.
6. Stir in coconut milk and lime juice. Bring to a quick boil and serve.
7. Garnish with chopped basil, vegan yogurt, whipped coconut cream, and/or red pepper flakes.

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Did you run a 5K race this year?

Are you a fan of lentils?

What’s your favorite color?