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
Mel Crowley says
I made this tonight for the first time. I completely spaced out and forgot to buy the coconut milk, but still made it without. I added hot sausage, jalapeños and crushed red pepper and it was absolutely delicious! I will definitely be making us again!
Taylor Stinson says
So happy you enjoyed it Mel 🙂 I imagine it would still probably be good without the coconut milk, just less creamy!
Sharon Martin Andersson says
I have made this numerous times. My entire family enjoys this one. It is unique enough that it feels like something ethnic but not so much so that the picky eaters in my house won’t enjoy it. I love Thai and Indian but not everyone here does!
Taylor Stinson says
So happy you love this recipe Sharon 🙂
Jeanie says
I accidently forgot to add the vegetable broth and it came out more like a stew consistency and tasting slightly bland. So I put it on soup/broth for 2 more minutes and added the vegetable broth. It came out more as a soup and tasting delicious.
My question though, because I don’t work with coconut milk often is how do I store it? Refrigerate immediately after cooking? Or let cool completely? I worry because coconut milk usually goes bad if you let it sit too long correct??
Taylor Stinson says
Hey Jeanie – so glad you like the recipe 🙂 For this soup you should let it cool slightly before refrigerating – don’t put it in the fridge when it’s very hot. You can treat it just like any other soup!
Kevin says
Should I use dried lentils or cooked lentils? Thanks!
Taylor Stinson says
Dried lentils 🙂
Tray says
3 onions? Is that correct? Seems like a lot. What size onions we talking about here?
Taylor Stinson says
Hey Tray – small to medium-sized onions. You can feel free to leave out one or two if you don’t like that many onions. This makes a HUGE batch of soup so that’s why there are so many.
Corrie says
As yummy 😋 as this recipe sounds…I’m a WW Lifetime member & for me, this recipe is 15 smart points…would it work with any other kinds of milk? I love coconut milk, but, I only use it sparingly. Thx😊
Taylor Stinson says
You could always just do one can of coconut milk instead, would likely take it down by quite a bit! I would not recommend adding any other sort of milk unfortunately 🙁
Janice says
Just made this and it is so tasty and hearty. I didn’t have celery or spinach so I popped in some chopped bok choy and I added some small chopped up sausage. And it was so easy, thank you!!
Melissa says
Right now it’s on my stovetop cooking the old fashioned way. Soaked the lentils on low for a few hours this morning, then sauteed the root vegetables before adding the coconut milk, broth, and seasonings. Strained the lentils and added them last. It’s almost 2 now, it smells and looks amazing. I love lentils, I’m excited to try this and hoping hubs will love it. He hates coconut so I’m not telling him about the coconut milk. He’s never had it in a savory capacity before, so I’m hoping to show him different sides of different flavors.
Sumin Kim says
Hi! I was wondering if you used fresh turmeric or dried. Also, if it is fresh, how do you prepare it? Do you grate it or mince it?
Taylor Stinson says
Hey Sumin! It’s dried turmeric 🙂
Lisa says
I made this last night and it is amazing! It’s delicious, comforting, and perfect on a cold winter night in Alaska. I followed the recipe as-is, with the exception of adding red pepper flakes for a little heat. This one is a keeper. Thank you for sharing!
Taylor Stinson says
So happy you liked it Lisa!! 🙂