Bella's Belly Blog

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan option available

Warm up with a bowl of cozy, nourishing goodness! This Curried Lentil & Pumpkin Soup is packed with earthy spices, creamy pumpkin, and protein-rich lentils for a satisfying, anti-inflammatory boost. Perfect for chilly nights or a fall lunch.

Lentils are a powerhouse of plant-based protein and fiber, supporting digestion, balancing blood sugar, and keeping you fuller for longer. Plus, they’re rich in iron, folate, and essential minerals.

Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for that perfect finishing touch.

Yield: 5-6 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils (any variety you like)
• 1 shallot, diced
• 4-5 carrots, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 sweet potato, diced
• 4 cups broth of choice (bone broth or vegetable broth,)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 3/4 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced or grated
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp turmeric

Toppings (optional):

• Fresh mint
• Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt (for a vegan option)
• Crumbled feta (optional)
• Lime

Instructions:

1. Sauté: In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced shallot, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Vegetables: Add the chopped carrots, celery, and sweet potato. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the cumin, curry powder, paprika, and turmeric. Stir well to coat the veggies with the spices, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add Lentils and Broth: Add the lentils and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
5. Finish with Coconut Milk and Pumpkin: Stir in the coconut milk and pumpkin purée. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Or, leave it chunky if you prefer more texture.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh mint, a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt, and a sprinkle of feta, if desired.

Enjoy your comforting, nutrient-packed bowl of Curried Lentil & Pumpkin Soup!