I absolutely love this Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe because it feels like a warm hug in a bowl—comforting, creamy, and packed full of cozy fall flavors. When I first tried roasting the veggies before blending, I was amazed at how much depth it added, making the soup naturally sweet and savory without relying on heavy cream or butter. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you want something nourishing but still quick enough to make after work.
You’ll find that this soup is wonderfully versatile, too. The lentils add a satisfying heartiness that’s perfect if you want a meal-within-a-meal, and the coconut milk gives it a velvety texture with just the right hint of tropical creaminess. I discovered this trick when looking to make a vegan soup that didn’t skimp on flavor, and honestly, my family goes crazy for it every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep Flavor from Roasting: Roasting the sweet potatoes, carrots, and garlic caramelizes their natural sugars, making the soup rich and flavorful.
- Creamy Coconut Milk Twist: Coconut milk adds luxurious creaminess without dairy, making it vegan-friendly and silky smooth.
- Hearty and Filling: Red lentils boost the protein and fiber, turning this soup into a satisfying meal on its own.
- Easy and Make-Ahead Friendly: It reheats beautifully and freezes well, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe come together in a way that balances sweet, earthy, and savory notes—perfect for a cozy and nourishing bowl. Grab fresh produce for the best flavor, and if you can find a good quality vegan broth, that’ll really elevate the final taste.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best roasting results and natural sweetness.
- Carrots: Fresh, medium-sized carrots roast nicely without drying out.
- Shallots: Their subtle sweetness enhances the soup without overpowering it.
- Bell pepper: A whole bell pepper adds a gorgeous roasted flavor and slight tanginess.
- Garlic: Roasting with the skin on softens it and brings out mellow sweetness.
- Vegan chicken or vegetable broth: Use a good quality broth for a savory soup base.
- Dry red lentils: They cook quickly and break down to add creamy texture and protein.
- Fresh rosemary: Just a couple of sprigs add an earthy herbaceous note without being overpowering.
- Fresh grated ginger: Adds a subtle zing that brightens up the soup beautifully.
- Lemon juice: A splash at the end lifts all the flavors and balances the richness.
- Coconut milk: Use canned full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest result; it gives this soup its signature richness.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste, but I find freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice finishing touch.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and freshness at serving.
Variations
I love making this Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe my own depending on the season or what I have on hand—you should definitely play around with it! Whether it’s adding spices or swapping veggies, there’s room to make it your own signature soup.
- Add a touch of spice: I sometimes add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cumin when sautéing the shallots for a smoky warmth—it adds a lovely depth to the soup.
- Swap lentils: Red lentils work best for creaminess, but if you want more texture, brown lentils can also work—just increase the cooking time.
- Seasonal veggies: Try adding roasted parsnips or butternut squash for an autumn twist that’s just as comforting.
- Make it spicy: A pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce stirred in at the end can turn this into a cozy, spicy treat.
How to Make Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Roast the Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—roasting everything together really brings out the best flavors. Peel and halve the sweet potatoes, peel the carrots and shallots, and toss them all along with the whole bell pepper onto the sheet. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and give everything a good stir so they’re evenly coated. Don’t forget to prep your garlic head by trimming just the top off to expose the cloves—it roasts quickly and becomes so soft you can just squeeze the garlic right out later. Roast everything for about 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and golden.
Step 2: Simmer the Lentils and Aromatics
While the veggies roast, put your broth, red lentils, rosemary sprigs, and fresh grated ginger in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Bring this to a boil over medium heat, then cover and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and beginning to break down, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove the rosemary sprigs and discard—their flavor will be infused perfectly by then.
Step 3: Blend It All Together
Now for the fun part: add your roasted veggies to the pot, squeezing the softened garlic cloves out of their skins into the soup (discard the skins). Don’t forget to remove the stem from the roasted bell pepper before adding. Use an immersion blender right in the pot to blend everything until super smooth and creamy. Stir in the lemon juice and coconut milk, then blend once more to combine. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If the soup feels too thick, just add a splash more broth or coconut milk to get it to your favorite consistency. Warm it gently over low heat if needed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your soup into bowls and finish it off with a drizzle of coconut milk, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color. I love how this makes the soup look extra inviting and adds a subtle freshness that balances the creamy richness.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe
- Roast Until Caramelized: Don’t rush the roasting—wait until veggies have a nice golden color to maximize flavor depth.
- Use an Immersion Blender: It makes blending hot soup much safer and easier—plus, no extra dishes to clean!
- Balance the Acidity: Lemon juice brightens the soup at the end, but add it gradually to avoid overpowering the sweetness.
- Adjust Thickness with Broth: If your soup thickens too much after cooling, simply stir in more broth or coconut milk to get it back to perfect.
How to Serve Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this soup with a simple drizzle of extra coconut milk—it adds a silky finish and makes for a beautiful contrast. Fresh chopped parsley adds a bright herbal note and a pop of green, which makes it look just as good as it tastes. Sometimes I throw on a few toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch—if you like texture, they’re a fantastic addition.
Side Dishes
This soup is satisfying on its own, but I often serve it with crusty whole-grain bread or garlic naan to soak up the creamy goodness. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs well for a fresh, balanced meal. On cozy nights, I’ve even enjoyed it with some roasted chickpeas on the side for extra protein and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or when entertaining, I like to serve this soup in small espresso cups as an appetizer—people love the unexpected presentation. Swirling in a bit of homemade chili oil or garnishing with microgreens adds a gourmet touch. You can also layer it in mason jars for grab-and-go lunches that look impressive and taste delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and this soup typically lasts up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop even more after sitting overnight, making it an even better next-day lunch or dinner. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully in portioned containers or freezer-safe bags. I’ve found that freezing in individual servings makes reheating quick and easy, especially on busy days. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat so it warms evenly without scorching. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or coconut milk if it seems too thick after cooling. Microwave reheating works fine too—go in 30-second bursts and stir between intervals to prevent hotspots.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of lentils in this soup?
Absolutely! Red lentils are preferred because they break down easily and create a creamy texture, but yellow lentils can also work similarly. If you want to use green or brown lentils, just increase the cooking time as these hold their shape more and take longer to soften.
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Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free vegetable or vegan chicken broth. Always double-check your broth’s label to be sure.
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Can I make this soup in advance?
Definitely! This soup tastes even better the next day and stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes nicely, making it perfect for meal prep.
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How do I thicken or thin the soup?
If you’d like it thicker, reduce the broth slightly when cooking or use less broth to start with. To thin it out, simply stir in more vegetable broth or coconut milk until you hit your preferred consistency.
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Can I substitute the coconut milk?
Yes, but coconut milk contributes a distinct creaminess and slight sweetness that’s hard to replicate. If you need a substitute, try cashew cream or canned oat milk, though the flavor and texture will be a bit different.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want something both nourishing and indulgent without a lot of fuss. I love sharing it because it’s approachable, forgiving, and so satisfying to enjoy with family or friends. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes that brings warmth and comfort every time you make it.
PrintRoasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Vegan American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Roasted Sweet Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting, and nutrient-packed vegan recipe featuring roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, shallots, bell pepper, and garlic blended into a smooth soup with red lentils, fresh ginger, and coconut milk. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup offers a delicious depth of flavor enhanced by roasting and a gentle simmering method.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced in half
- 3 medium carrots, peeled
- 3 shallots, peeled
- 1 large bell pepper, whole
- 1 head garlic
Liquids and Broth
- 6 cups vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk, plus more for serving
Pantry
- 1 cup dry red lentils
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 heaping tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking dish with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prep the veggies: Arrange the sweet potatoes, carrots, shallots, and whole bell pepper on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle with oil and season: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat all vegetables evenly. Spread them out into one even layer for optimal roasting.
- Prep the garlic: Remove excess outer skin from the garlic head. Cut a small portion off the top to expose the garlic cloves, then place the whole garlic head on the baking sheet alongside the vegetables.
- Roast for 45-60 minutes: Place the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 45-60 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender. Flip the vegetables halfway through the roasting time to ensure even caramelization.
- Cook the lentils: While vegetables roast, combine the vegan chicken or vegetable broth, red lentils, rosemary sprigs, and grated ginger in a 4-quart Dutch oven or large soup pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then cover with a lid, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 10-12 minutes until lentils are soft and starting to break down. Remove from heat and discard rosemary stems.
- Add roasted garlic and veggies to pot: Squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves out of their skin directly into the soup pot and discard skins. Add the remaining roasted vegetables, removing the bell pepper stem prior to adding.
- Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until completely smooth. Then, add the lemon juice and coconut milk and blend again until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Warm through and serve: Return the soup to medium-low heat to warm through if needed. Ladle soup into bowls, drizzle with additional coconut milk, sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave using 30-second increments until heated through.
- Consistency tip: The soup will thicken once cooled. If too thick, thin with additional vegan broth or coconut milk when reheating.
- Recipe inspiration: This recipe is inspired by Vanilla and Bean.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240 ml)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg