Coconut and Thai Red Curry Lentil Soup

I love soups and I love Thai food so this is a wonderful combination.  Coconut and Thai Red Curry Lentil Soup is very hearty for a cold winter’s night so if you love soup and Thai food, this one’s for you!  Don’t be afraid of the red curry paste as you can add just a little bit to start with.  If you like it hotter, than add a bit more. This soup was amazingly delicious!!! To see how I make my Coconut and Thai Red Curry Lentil Soup, keep reading!

1 medium to large onion, diced
4 carrots, peeled and diced
1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into about 1 inch pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large chunk of ginger, chopped
3 tbsp. Thai red curry paste (or less, if you like it less spicy)
1 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tbsp. canola or vegetable oil
1 tbsp.dried Thai basil (or regular basil)
1 1/2 cups lentils
6 cups chicken or veggie stock
1 can lite unsweetened coconut milk
2 tbsp. peanut butter
salt and pepper to taste
peanuts and chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

In a large non stick Dutch oven over low to medium flame, heat the oil and saute the onions, carrots, and sweet potatos until the onion begins to be translucent about five minutes. Add in the garlic and ginger, and saute until fragrant, about another 2 minutes

Pour in the stock, add in the lentils, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork tender, and lentils are cooked through.

Add in the coconut milk, and peanut butter, and stir to combine.  You may need to add more chicken/vegetable broth, if the soup is too thick. Add about 2 cups of the soup to a blender and puree then pour back into the soup.  This will give it a nice thickness.  Garnish with peanuts and chopped cilantro.

Note:  Contains peanut butter!