Roasted Sweet Potato and Lentil Coconut Soup Recipe
If you’re craving a soup that’s cozy, nourishing, and bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try my Roasted Sweet Potato and Lentil Coconut Soup Recipe. This recipe is one of those kitchen winners I always go back to when I want something both comforting and impressive — perfect for chilly nights or anytime you need a hug in a bowl. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my secrets on how to make this silky-smooth, subtly spiced soup that feels fancy but really couldn’t be easier!
Why This Recipe Works
- Deep Roasted Flavors: Roasting the sweet potatoes and veggies before blending brings out their natural sweetness and complexity.
- Creamy Yet Dairy-Free: Coconut milk adds richness without heaviness, making this soup silky and indulgent for any diet.
- Protein-Packed: Red lentils boost the nutritional value, providing a satisfying texture and hearty bite.
- Simple, Clean Ingredients: A few key fresh ingredients and pantry staples combine for layers of fresh and comforting flavors.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Roasted Sweet Potato and Lentil Coconut Soup Recipe plays a key role in building its balanced taste and texture. When you shop, try to pick the freshest veggies you can find, especially those sweet potatoes and shallots—they really shine when roasted.

- Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness caramelizes in the oven, which forms the soup’s flavorful base.
- Carrots: Adds earthiness and helps thicken the soup.
- Shallots: Milder and sweeter than onions, roasting these brings out a subtle depth.
- Bell Pepper: Roasting intensifies its flavor and adds a slight smokiness.
- Garlic: Roasting makes garlic mellow and buttery, which blends perfectly into the soup.
- Red Lentils: They cook quickly and break down nicely, adding protein and creamy texture.
- Fresh Rosemary: Infuses herbs into the broth for a fragrant herbal background.
- Fresh Grated Ginger: Brings a fresh, slightly spicy warmth that lifts the flavors.
- Lemon Juice: A splash at the end brightens and balances the richness.
- Coconut Milk: Essential for creaminess and gentle sweetness without any dairy.
- Vegetable Broth (or vegan chicken broth): A good-quality broth is key for depth—avoid low-sodium for a richer taste.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste; enhances every layer of flavor.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness for garnish.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of my favorite things about this Roasted Sweet Potato and Lentil Coconut Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love experimenting by adding spices or swapping vegetables depending on what’s in my fridge. You can totally make it your own!
- Spice it up: I’ve added a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika on occasion for a little kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Veggie swaps: Instead of bell pepper, roasted pumpkin or butternut squash work wonderfully, especially in fall.
- Make it heartier: Toss in some cooked quinoa or brown rice for extra texture—and a more filling meal.
- Dairy variation: If you prefer, a splash of cream or whole milk can replace the coconut milk, but I personally adore the subtle tropical note coconut milk brings.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Roasted Sweet Potato and Lentil Coconut Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes and Veggies Until Golden and Tender
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—it makes cleanup so much easier! Peel and halve those sweet potatoes and peel the carrots and shallots. Toss everything with a good drizzle of olive oil, plus salt and pepper, then spread it out in an even layer. Don’t forget to add the whole bell pepper and a head of garlic, cut at the top to expose those cloves. Roast everything for about 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the veggies are tender and boast those beautifully caramelized edges. I learned early on not to overcrowd the pan since that can cause steaming instead of roasting.
Step 2: Simmer the Lentils with Broth, Rosemary, and Ginger
While the veggies roast, put your soup pot on the stove and add the broth, red lentils, fresh rosemary sprigs, and freshly grated ginger. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then cover and reduce to a simmer. You want the lentils to cook down until they’re super soft, usually about 10-12 minutes. Once done, pull out the rosemary stems; they’ve done their job infusing the broth with fragrance.
Step 3: Blend Everything Into Smooth Creamy Goodness
Now the magic moment: once your roasted vegetables are done, squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins directly into the pot. Remove the stem from the bell pepper and add the rest of the veggies, too. Use an immersion blender to puree everything until smooth and velvety. Then stir in lemon juice and coconut milk, and give it another quick blend so all those vibrant flavors meld together. Taste test now and add more salt or pepper if it needs a boost. I like to heat it gently over medium-low just to warm it through again before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Sweet Potato and Lentil Coconut Soup Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Roasting: Let those veggies get nice and browned—it’s where a lot of the soup’s depth comes from.
- Use an Immersion Blender: It’s so much easier and less messy than transferring hot soup into a blender in batches.
- Adjust Thickness as Needed: If your soup thickens in the fridge, stir in a little broth or coconut milk to loosen it before reheating.
- Fresh Ginger’s Key: Grate fresh ginger instead of dried—it really brightens the whole bowl.
How to Serve Roasted Sweet Potato and Lentil Coconut Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my soup bowls with a drizzle of extra coconut milk, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. The coconut milk swirl makes the presentation feel special, and parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that cuts through the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread—think a warm baguette or sourdough for dipping into every last drop. I’ve also served it alongside a zesty salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for a fuller meal. If you want to keep it light but satisfying, garlic naan or warm pita works wonders too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I love to serve this soup in individual rustic bread bowls—that always gets an “ooh” from guests. You can also top it with coconut yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for an added texture surprise. If you want to brighten things even more, a few drops of chili oil or fresh chopped cilantro on top work beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You’ll notice it thickens as it chills, which is normal. When reheating, just stir in a splash of broth or coconut milk to bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup multiple times and it freezes beautifully. Just divide it into freezer-safe jars or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth or coconut milk. Microwaving in 30-second bursts works too if you’re in a hurry—just stir in between.
FAQs
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Can I make this Roasted Sweet Potato and Lentil Coconut Soup Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. You can refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No worries! You can carefully blend the soup in batches using a regular blender—just make sure to vent the lid to avoid steam buildup.
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Can I use other types of lentils?
Red lentils work best here because they break down quickly and make the soup creamy. Green or brown lentils won’t break down as much and will give you a chunkier texture.
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Is this soup gluten-free and vegan?
Yes! Everything in this recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a great option for many dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Sweet Potato and Lentil Coconut Soup Recipe is a standout in my kitchen rotation—it’s cozy, nourishing, and full of flavor without any fuss. Whenever I’m looking for a meal that’s warming and wholesome, this is my go-to. I’m sure once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorites too. So next time you want something comforting that’s both healthy and satisfying, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll thank me later!
Print
Roasted Sweet Potato and Lentil Coconut Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Roasted Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting, creamy vegan soup packed with roasted vegetables, red lentils, and aromatic herbs. The soup combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and carrots with savory shallots, bell pepper, and a hint of fresh ginger and lemon juice, finished with rich coconut milk for a luscious texture. Ideal for a nourishing meal, it is perfect for cooler days or anytime you crave a hearty, flavorful soup.
Ingredients
Roasted 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
- 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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Prepare the vegetables: Place the peeled and halved sweet potatoes, peeled carrots, peeled shallots, and whole bell pepper on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, then toss to coat evenly. Spread the vegetables out in one single layer for even roasting.
- Prepare the garlic: Peel off the excess skin from the garlic head and cut a small portion off the top to expose the cloves. Add the garlic head to the baking sheet with the other vegetables.
- Roast the vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 60 minutes, flipping the vegetables halfway through to ensure even cooking. Roast until the sweet potatoes are fork tender and the vegetables are caramelized.
- Cook the lentils: While the vegetables roast, add the broth, dry red lentils, rosemary sprigs, and grated ginger to a 4-quart Dutch oven or large soup pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 12 minutes or until lentils are soft and broken down. Remove from heat and discard the rosemary stems.
- Add roasted garlic and vegetables to soup: Once roasted, squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of the head and add them to the pot. Transfer the rest of the roasted vegetables to the pot, being sure to remove the stem from the bell pepper before adding.
- Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Add the lemon juice and 1 cup of coconut milk, then blend again briefly to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Warm the soup: Return the pot to medium-low heat and gently warm the soup through without boiling to preserve flavors and creaminess.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of coconut milk, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- This soup stores well and can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- If the soup thickens after refrigeration, add a splash of vegan chicken broth and coconut milk while reheating to adjust the consistency.
- Leftovers reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- You can substitute vegetable broth if vegan chicken broth is unavailable.
- Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can provide a spicy kick if desired.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the lentils lightly before adding them to the broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg