If you’re on the hunt for a comforting bowl of goodness that feels both hearty and nourishing, this Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe is an absolute winner. I love this soup because the roasting brings out such deep, sweet flavors from the sweet potatoes and carrots, and when combined with creamy coconut milk and tender lentils, it creates a rich texture that just warms you up from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply want a nutritious, vegan-friendly dish that’s easy to make, this soup fits the bill perfectly.
When I first tried making this Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe, I was amazed at how simple steps like roasting the veggies and blending them with fragrant ginger and lemon juice transformed humble ingredients into something truly special. You’ll find that this soup strikes a beautiful balance between sweet, savory, and zingy, making it an all-around crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s got just the right amount of creaminess without being heavy, thanks to the coconut milk. Trust me, once you try it, your family or friends won’t stop asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Roasted Vegetables Boost Flavor: Roasting the sweet potatoes, carrots, and shallots caramelizes their natural sugars, adding a depth you won’t get otherwise.
- Comforting Yet Light: The coconut milk creates a creamy texture without heaviness, perfect if you want a dairy-free or vegan creamy soup.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Results: With pantry staples like lentils and broth combined with fresh produce, this soup is budget-friendly but tastes gourmet.
- Family-Friendly and Versatile: It’s easy to adapt to your taste or dietary needs, making it a weeknight favorite for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe brings its own magic, working together to create layers of flavor that are both comforting and vibrant. When shopping, I always opt for fresh ginger and firm sweet potatoes to get the best flavor and texture in the finished soup.
- Sweet potatoes: Look for firm, blemish-free ones for roasting and natural sweetness.
- Carrots: Fresh and firm carrots roast beautifully and add sweetness.
- Shallots: These bring a subtle oniony aroma, gentler than regular onions.
- Bell pepper: Adds a mild sweetness and depth when roasted whole.
- Garlic: Roasting garlic mellows its bite, giving the soup a lovely, rich garlic flavor.
- Vegan chicken or vegetable broth: Choose a good quality broth for a savory base that complements the roasted veggies.
- Dry red lentils: They cook quickly and become wonderfully soft, thickening the soup.
- Fresh rosemary: Just a couple of sprigs add fragrant herbiness that pairs perfectly with root veggies.
- Fresh grated ginger: Zings up the soup with warmth and brightness.
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy lift to balance the creamy soup.
- Coconut milk: Use full-fat for creaminess and richness that rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
- Parsley: For a fresh garnish that adds color and herbal brightness.
Variations
I love playing around with this Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my kitchen — and you should feel free to do the same! It’s a flexible soup that welcomes personalization, making it perfect no matter your taste or cooking mood.
- Add heat: Seriously, I once added a dash of cayenne and smoked paprika, and my family went crazy for the added spice kick — perfect for cozy winter nights.
- Swap lentils: If red lentils aren’t your thing, green or brown lentils work too, though they’ll take a bit longer to cook.
- Make it chunkier: I sometimes leave the soup partially blended to keep some hearty veggie chunks — adds great texture and makes it feel more rustic.
- Protein boost: Stir in cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes for an even more filling meal.
- Seasonal tweaks: Use butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes in fall for a lovely twist.
How to Make Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe
Step 1: Roast Your Veggies to Bring Out Sweetness
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat — this keeps cleanup easy. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes in half, peel your carrots and shallots, and keep the bell pepper whole. Toss all the veggies in a couple tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and spread them evenly across the sheet. Don’t forget to prep your garlic by peeling excess skin and slicing off the top to expose the cloves. Pop the whole garlic head on the sheet with your veggies and roast everything for about 45 to 60 minutes, flipping the veggies once halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and nicely caramelized. This roasting step is key to unlocking that rich, sweet flavor that makes the soup stand out.
Step 2: Simmer Lentils with Aromatics
While the veggies roast, grab a large soup pot or Dutch oven and add your broth, red lentils, rosemary sprigs, and freshly grated ginger. Bring it up to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover. Let the lentils cook gently for 10 to 12 minutes until they’re soft and breaking down. I like to discard the rosemary stems afterward to avoid any tough bits. This simmering step builds a flavorful base and cooks the lentils to a creamy consistency that helps thicken the soup naturally.
Step 3: Blend It All Together for Creamy Perfection
Once your veggies are roasted and lentils are tender, it’s time to combine the flavor powerhouses. Squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves out of their skins right into the pot—this little trick adds mellow, roasted garlic flavor that’s sweeter and less sharp than raw. Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, shallots, and bell pepper (removing the stem) into the soup pot. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender in batches, puree the entire mixture until silky smooth. Then stir in the lemon juice and coconut milk and blend briefly again. Season to taste with salt and pepper. I like to return the soup to low heat to warm everything through before serving. The lemon juice adds just the right brightness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
Step 4: Serve with Style and a Smile
Ladle your warm soup into bowls and top with a drizzle of extra coconut milk for a pretty swirl effect. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a handful of chopped parsley. It’s such a simple finish but really elevates the whole experience. Now, all that’s left is to grab a spoon and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe
- Don’t Skip Roasting: I learned early on that roasting the veggies makes all the difference—it deepens flavor and adds a gentle caramel sweetness that can’t be beaten.
- Use Fresh Ginger: It brightens the soup and adds a subtle warmth; pre-grate or finely mince it for even distribution.
- Adjust Consistency with Broth: If your soup thickens too much after cooling, just stir in a splash of broth or coconut milk to loosen it back up.
- Be Gentle with Garlic: Roasted garlic is delicate; squeezing it out of the skin instead of chopping preserves its sweet, mellow flavor perfectly.
How to Serve Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about simple, fresh garnishes here. I usually sprinkle on chopped parsley because that little pop of green lifts the whole bowl visually and flavor-wise. A drizzle of coconut milk on top adds richness and looks beautiful too. Sometimes, I add a few toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch or a pinch of smoked paprika to give it a gentle smoky kick—totally optional but delicious.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread—think a warm sourdough or garlic baguette for dipping. One of my favorite combos is a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the creaminess. On colder days, I serve it alongside roasted chickpeas seasoned with cumin for a protein-packed crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in small mason jars for a rustic, cozy vibe. Another fun presentation is swirled with a little red chili oil on top for a colorful, spicy finish. If you want to impress, garnish with edible flowers or microgreens—it turns a humble soup into a real showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let my soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to 5 days. Just a heads-up: it thickens as it chills, so stir in a little vegetable broth or coconut milk when reheating to get it back to that perfect spoonable texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes like a dream! I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and it’s ready to reheat—makes for a lifesaver meal on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until warm all the way through. Remember to add a splash of broth or coconut milk if it’s too thick.
FAQs
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Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable or vegan chicken broth. Just double-check your broth label to be sure.
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What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No worries. You can transfer your soup in batches to a regular blender, just be sure not to overfill and hold the lid down tightly to avoid splatters. Blend until smooth, then return the soup to the pot.
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Can I use canned lentils instead of dry?
You can, but the texture and thickness will be different since canned lentils are already cooked and won’t break down further. You’ll want to adjust cooking time and possibly add less broth to get the consistency right.
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How can I add more protein to this soup?
Great question! Adding cooked chickpeas, tofu cubes, or even a dollop of your favorite nut butter stirred in at the end can boost protein while keeping it vegan and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe has become one of those go-to dishes in my kitchen—reliable, comforting, and easy to customize to whatever mood I’m in. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug on a plate and suits every season. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do, and that it brings a little extra comfort and joy to your table. Give it a whirl, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a household favorite!
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 and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Roasted Sweet Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting vegan recipe featuring oven-roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, shallots, bell pepper, and garlic, blended with red lentils and seasoned with fresh rosemary, ginger, lemon juice, and coconut milk. It’s perfect for a cozy meal and easily reheats well.
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
Legumes and Herbs
- 1 cup dry red lentils
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 heaping tablespoon fresh grated ginger
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking dish or sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prep the veggies: Place the peeled and halved sweet potatoes, peeled carrots, peeled shallots, and whole bell pepper on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle with oil and season: Drizzle the vegetables with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix gently to coat all pieces, and spread them out evenly in one layer on the baking sheet.
- Prep the garlic: Remove excess skin from the garlic head, then slice off a small portion of the top to expose the cloves. Place the garlic head on the baking sheet alongside the other vegetables.
- Roast the vegetables: Roast everything in the oven for 45 to 60 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the vegetables are nicely caramelized.
- Cook the lentils: While the veggies roast, combine the vegan chicken or vegetable broth, red lentils, rosemary sprigs, and grated ginger in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the lentils are soft and broken down. Remove from heat and discard the rosemary stems.
- Add roasted garlic and vegetables: Once roasted, squeeze the softened cloves from the garlic head into the pot, discarding the skin. Transfer all the roasted vegetables to the soup pot, making sure to remove the bell pepper stem before adding.
- Puree the soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Add lemon juice and 1 cup of coconut milk, then blend again until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Warm through and serve: Return the soup to medium-low heat and warm gently if needed. Serve hot, drizzled with extra coconut milk, freshly cracked black pepper, and garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
- If the soup thickens after chilling, thin it out with a splash of vegan chicken broth or additional coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.
- This recipe was inspired by Vanilla and Bean.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg