Vindaloo Red Lentil Soup
A warming, thick lentil soup with a kick of vindaloo, tangy and fragrant and ready in about 35 minutes.
Made with Vindaloo paste and Tarka dal base. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 mins
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £0.47 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oil in a large pan and soften the onion and carrot for 8 minutes over a medium heat.
8 min - 2
Add your ready made vindaloo paste (see the base recipe) and fry for 2 minutes, stirring.
2 min - 3
Add the red lentils and the water, bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes until the lentils collapse.
15 min - 4
Stir in your ready made tarka dal base (see the base recipe) and simmer for 5 minutes until piping hot.
5 min - 5
Blend half the soup with a stick blender for a thick, part smooth texture. Add the lemon juice, taste and add salt if needed.
- 6
Serve in bowls topped with coriander.
Tips
- Red lentils cook quickly and need no soaking.
- Blend only half so you keep some body and texture.
- Loosen with a little extra water if it thickens as it stands.
Storing and freezing
Keeps for 4 days in the fridge, cooled within 1 to 2 hours. Freezes for 3 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Is it vegan?
Yes. Everything is plant based, and the paste and dal base are both vegan.
Can I make it milder?
Yes. Halve the vindaloo paste and add a splash of coconut milk for a gentler soup.
Is it high in fibre?
Lentils are a good source of fibre, so it is a filling soup. Serve with wholemeal bread for more.
More made with vindaloo paste
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.