If you’re in the mood for something hearty, cozy, and packed with earthy flavors, this Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe is going to become your new best friend. I absolutely love how the roasting brings a natural sweetness to the veggies, which blends beautifully with the creamy coconut milk and tender lentils, creating a comforting warmth in every spoonful. It’s perfect for crisp fall days or whenever you’re craving a nourishing, plant-based meal that’s full of personality.
When I first tried this soup, I was amazed at how simple it is to pull together yet feels like a luxurious, slow-cooked dish. You’ll find that roasting the sweet potatoes, carrots, and even the garlic elevates the flavors in a way that steaming or boiling never could. Plus, this Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe is wonderfully versatile—great for meal prep, feeding a crowd, or just cozying up with a bowl on a chilly evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Roasted Flavor: Roasting the veggies enhances their natural sweetness, giving this soup a deep, complex taste you won’t get with boiled veggies.
- Creamy, Dairy-Free Comfort: Coconut milk adds luscious creaminess without the dairy, making it perfect for vegan and lactose-free diets.
- Nutritious & Filling: Packed with lentils, sweet potatoes, and carrots, this soup is a fiber-rich, protein-packed meal that keeps you full and energized.
- Easy to Customize: This soup is a great canvas for your favorite spices, herbs, or add-ins, so you can tailor it to your taste and pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a beautifully balanced soup—earthy lentils, sweet roasted veggies, and fragrant coconut milk. When shopping, I like to pick sweet potatoes that are firm and unblemished, and make sure your broth is flavorful for the best results.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, evenly sized ones for consistent roasting.
- Carrots: Fresh and crisp carrots add natural sweetness and texture.
- Shallots: They bring a mild, sweet onion flavor that deepens the soup’s aroma.
- Bell pepper: Roasted whole, it adds subtle smokiness and a hint of tang.
- Garlic: Roasting garlic softens its sharpness to create a mellow, sweet undertone.
- Vegan chicken or vegetable broth: A good quality broth here really makes a difference in flavor.
- Dry red lentils: They cook down nicely, adding body and protein to the soup.
- Fresh rosemary: Adds a woody, aromatic layer that complements the sweetness.
- Fresh grated ginger: This little zing cuts through the richness for balance.
- Lemon juice: A splash brightens up the flavors at the end.
- Coconut milk: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and dairy-free.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
Variations
I love tweaking this Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe depending on the season and what’s in my pantry. Don’t hesitate to experiment—making it your own is part of the fun!
- Spicy twist: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to give it a gentle warmth that my family adores.
- Greens boost: Stir in some chopped kale or spinach right at the end for extra nutrients and vibrant color.
- Protein punch: For more protein, adding cooked chickpeas or a handful of quinoa works beautifully.
- Herb swaps: If you don’t have rosemary, thyme or sage works just as well and brings a slightly different aroma.
How to Make Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Veggies to Perfection
Start by heating your oven to 425°F and prepping a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Toss the peeled and halved sweet potatoes, carrots, shallots, and whole bell pepper with olive oil, salt, and pepper until everything’s evenly coated. Place the garlic head on the tray as well after cutting off the top to expose the cloves. Roast for 45 to 60 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the vegetables are golden and tender—this roasting step is where the magic begins, developing those deep sweet and smoky flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Lentils with Aromatics
While the veggies roast, add your broth, red lentils, fresh rosemary sprigs, and grated ginger to a large soup pot. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. The lentils will soften and start to break down in about 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to remove the rosemary sprigs once your lentils are cooked—that woody flavor is best enjoyed subtly.
Step 3: Puree and Finish the Soup
Once your veggies are roasted, squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins directly into the lentil pot. Then, add the rest of the veggies, being sure to discard the bell pepper stem. Using an immersion blender, puree everything until smooth and velvety. At this stage, stir in the lemon juice and coconut milk, then blend briefly again—adjust with salt and pepper to taste. Warm through on medium-low heat for a few minutes, and you’ll have a soup that’s creamy, fragrant, and just begging to be devoured.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe
- Roast Low and Slow: I found roasting at 425°F, flipping once halfway, gets the perfect caramelization without drying the veggies out.
- Use an Immersion Blender: It’s a quick, less messy way to blend soup right in the pot—you’ll get that creamy texture without dirtying multiple dishes.
- Adjust Consistency Mindfully: The soup thickens as it cools; add broth or coconut milk when reheating to loosen it up without losing flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: That splash really brightens the whole bowl and balances the richness perfectly.
How to Serve Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe
Garnishes
I always drizzle a bit of extra coconut milk on top for a gorgeous swirl and a touch more creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a fresh, herbal pop and color contrast that makes the bowl feel vibrant and inviting. Freshly cracked black pepper finishes it with a subtle spicy edge that rounds out the flavors.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are a crusty sourdough bread or warm naan—perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. Sometimes I serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to keep things bright and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or rustic bread bowls—it makes the meal feel extra cozy and festive. You can also top with toasted pumpkin seeds or a few chili flakes for a beautiful texture contrast and a hint of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and it lasts beautifully for up to five days. Just remember that the soup will thicken as it chills, so adding a splash of broth or coconut milk when reheating brings it back to that perfect silky texture I love.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully! I portion it into freezer-safe jars or bags and find it’s a lifesaver for busy weeks. When thawing, let it defrost in the fridge overnight and stir well after heating to recombine any separation from the coconut milk.
Reheating
I prefer reheating this soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. If you use a microwave, heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between and adding a splash of broth or coconut milk if it looks too thick.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of lentils for this soup?
Yes! While red lentils are ideal because they cook quickly and break down to create a creamy texture, you can use other types like green or brown lentils. Just keep in mind these may take longer to cook and might result in a chunkier soup unless you blend it thoroughly.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup holds up well refrigerated for several days and also freezes great, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking. Just be sure to reheat gently and add extra liquid if needed to keep a smooth consistency.
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Can I make this soup without roasting the vegetables?
Technically yes, but you’ll lose that wonderful depth of flavor roasting provides. If you’re short on time, you could sauté the veggies instead, but roasting really transforms this soup into something special.
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How do I make this soup creamier without coconut milk?
If you prefer to avoid coconut milk, you can substitute with cashew cream or a splash of oat milk. Just keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor and texture, but you’ll still get a lovely creamy soup.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Roasted Sweet Potato and Carrot Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something comforting and nutritious, this soup hits all the right notes. Give it a try next time you want an easy, flavorful, and nourishing meal—you’ll be so glad you did!
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: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A creamy and comforting roasted sweet potato soup made with tender roasted vegetables, red lentils, and coconut milk, blended to a smooth, velvety texture. This vegan recipe is enriched with fresh rosemary, ginger, and a hint of lemon juice, perfect for a nourishing, flavorful meal any time of year.
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
Soup Base
- 6 cups vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup dry red lentils
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 heaping tablespoon fresh grated ginger
Seasonings and Finishes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup coconut milk, plus more for serving
- 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 sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even roasting.
- Prep the veggies: Arrange the peeled and halved sweet potatoes, peeled carrots, peeled shallots, and the whole bell pepper on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle with oil and season: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables, sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then toss gently to coat everything evenly. Spread out in a single layer for optimal roasting.
- Prep the garlic: Remove the outer loose skin from the head of garlic, then slice off the top portion to expose the garlic cloves. Place the garlic head on the baking sheet alongside the vegetables.
- Roast the vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 45-60 minutes, flipping the vegetables halfway through cooking, until the sweet potatoes are fork tender and everything is caramelized and fragrant.
- Cook the lentils: While the vegetables roast, combine the vegan chicken or vegetable broth, red lentils, fresh rosemary sprigs, and grated ginger in a 4-quart Dutch oven or large soup pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the lentils break down and become tender. Remove from heat and discard the rosemary sprigs.
- Add roasted garlic and veggies to the pot: Squeeze the soft, roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the lentil soup. Transfer the roasted vegetables to the pot, removing the stem from the bell pepper before adding.
- Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth and creamy. Add the lemon juice and coconut milk, then blend again briefly to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Warm through and serve: Return the pot to medium-low heat to gently warm the soup if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish each serving with a drizzle of coconut milk, freshly cracked pepper, and chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. The soup may thicken after refrigeration; loosen with additional broth or coconut milk when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in a microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
- This soup is inspired by the Vanilla and Bean recipe, adapted for a vegan and wholesome roasted vegetable base.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240 ml)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg