This Turmeric Lentil Soup is a vibrant vegan soup made with immunity-boosting turmeric that’s ready in just 40 minutes.

I make this turmeric lentil soup all the time! The flavours are pure comfort in a bowl, it’s super simple to throw together, and it always hits the spot.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Healthy & comforting: Packed with turmeric and nutrient-rich lentils, this vegan soup supports your immune system while keeping it light, satisfying and comforting.
- Easy & flavourful: No fuss, simple steps and full of flavour. It’s perfect for any day of the week!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Ingredient – substitution details.
- Olive oil – or any other neutral cooking oil like canola or avocado oil.
- Onions – you can use yellow or white onions.
- Carrots – parsnip has a similar texture but a slightly different taste.
- Celery – double up on the carrots or leave them out altogether.
- Garlic – jarred garlic or garlic powder would work in a pinch.
- Ginger – you can also try using ground ginger if you don’t have any fresh ginger.
- Coconut milk – substitute for light coconut milk if you want to cut the calories or try soy milk (although it won’t be as creamy).
- Can of diced tomatoes – you could also use freshly diced tomatoes, just make sure to add in the juices as well.
- Vegetable broth – for a non-vegan option, you can use chicken broth.
- Turmeric – saffron is an alternative, but is sweeter and doesn’t have the same healing properties as turmeric.
- Cumin – ground coriander would also work here.
- Red lentils – French or green lentils are another option.
- Spinach – any other greens will work like Swiss chard or mustard greens.
- Lemon juice – if you don’t have any lemon juice, you could also try lime juice.
How to make turmeric lentil soup
Step 1: Sauté the base.
Sauté the onions, carrots and celery, then the garlic, ginger and seasonings.
Step 2: Add more ingredients.
Add coconut milk, tomatoes, broth and lentils, bring to a boil and cook.
Step 3: Add remaining ingredients.
Add the spinach and lemon juice and stir until combined.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy!
Serve in your favourite bowl and enjoy every spoonful!

Recipe tips and variations
Here are my tips and variations to ensure this turmeric lentil soup turns out perfect every time:
- Sauté aromatics first: Cooking the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, ginger, and turmeric brings out big flavour.
- Use fresh turmeric if you can: It gives a brighter, earthier flavour, but dried works in a pinch.
- Season at the end: Taste before serving and add extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon to brighten the soup.
- Veggie boost: Stir in kale, zucchini, or green beans for extra nutrients and texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a subtle kick.
- More protein: Consider adding cooked chickpeas or cubed tofu for an added boost of protein.
Frequently asked questions
Is lentil soup healthy?
Yes! Lentils are full of protein, fibre, and nutrients like iron, potassium, and calcium. Plus, the turmeric adds an immune-boosting kick. It’s light, nourishing, and actually keeps you satisfied.
How much turmeric should I add?
You really don’t need much. One tablespoon gives you all the flavour and health benefits you need. Adding more can make it a bit strong, so stick with a tablespoon and you’re good to go.
How can I make the soup creamier?
This recipe uses coconut milk to give it a creamy base, but if you like it even richer, add a bit more coconut milk. You can also blend part or all of the soup for a silky texture.

Storing and reheating
Storing: Portion the soup into individual containers and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Glass meal prep bowls work great because you can reheat single servings without having to scoop from a big bowl.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Freezing: Freeze the soup for up to 3 months in freezer safe containers. I love Souper Cubes!
Defrosting and reheating: Defrost in the fridge overnight, or heat from frozen in the microwave for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway.


Turmeric Lentil Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 3 stalks celery diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh turmeric minced; or 1 tsp dried
- 13 oz full fat coconut milk
- 13 oz diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 4 cups spinach chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice preferably fresh from a lemon
Instructions
- Melt coconut oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots and celery, sauteeing for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, salt and pepper, sauteeing another minute until fragrant.
- Add remaining ingredients except for spinach and lemon juice, bringing to a boil and cooking for 30-35 minutes or under lentils are tender.
- Stir in spinach and lemon juice, then serve and enjoy!



Comments & Reviews
Barbie says
Delicious! I did use the reduced fat coconut milk. Thank you!
Laura says
OMG! Ive been scouring the net for some easy delicious Pulses recipes (lentils, beans, etc) as my.goal is to incorporate more plant based protein into my diet. Even my.fiance loves this soup and I can never get him to have a meal without meat! It’s absolute perfect and will surely become a go to in our household. Thanks for.sharing!
Taylor Stinson says
OMG YAY!!! I’m so happy to hear that Laura, so glad you love this soup so much. It’s definitely one of my faves as well <3
Dara says
Made this for dinner tonight and it was so easy and SO delicious! I doubled the recipe during prep and froze the second batch for an easy dinner. Thanks for posting this!
Taylor Stinson says
So happy to hear you loved it Dara! And good to know you can double it too 🙂
Barb McCullough says
This is my first Instant Pot Recipe that I tried. I followed the recipe exactly except I used frozen chopped spinach instead of fresh (and thawed it first. ) My husband and myself loved it! Will definitely make it again.
Taylor Stinson says
Yay!!! So happy you liked it Barb 🙂
Erin D says
This is a major staple in our house now! It’s so delicious, healthy and easy! Everyone loves it! I use bone broth that I also make in the old instant pot and it turns out super unctuous. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Taylor Stinson says
Yay, I’m so happy you like it Erin!! Using bone broth is such a great idea, sounds delicious!!! Thanks for sharing with me 🙂
Marsha says
Excellent soup! What a fast meal from prep to table! We will make this again.
Taylor Stinson says
Yay!!! So happy you liked it Marsha 🙂
Courtney says
Amazing recipe, I make it about once a week. I only use one can of coconut milk and whatever greens on hand. I’ve directed many people to this recipe. I often eat this for breakfast in a wrap with black beans. Best way to start the day! Thank you.
Taylor Stinson says
Wow glad to hear you love it so much that you make it so often Courtney! That’s wonderful!!!
Tabya says
Looks amazing! How do you recommend adjusting the coook time if I halve the recipe?
Taylor Stinson says
Hey Tabya! Thanks so much 🙂 I’ve heard cook time doesn’t need to be adjusted whether you are cutting a recipe in half or doubling it. You should be fine to go ahead and cook it the same amount of time!
Joy Jeffrey says
This looks gorgeous, do you think it would work with brown lentils?
Taylor Stinson says
Hey Joy! It probably would yes! I would add an extra minute to the cook time to be sure though, because brown lentils are a bit more firm than red.
Chuck in MD says
Excellent! Thank you for the delicious recipe. I just got my cooker today and this was my first instant pot dish. I am very pleased. The only change I made was i used 1 large white onion. I also use the wrong kind of lintels but they were just fine. I might cook it for 1 minute longer next time. I put it over rice. Nice!
Taylor Stinson says
So happy you liked it Chuck! Thanks for sharing with me 🙂