Coconut Curry Soup Clara quick dinners

Coconut Curry Soup is a bold and aromatic dish that’s both comforting and energizing. With a rich coconut milk base, warming curry spices, and vibrant vegetables, this soup delivers a perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and freshness. It’s a versatile, one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup offers restaurant-quality taste with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re going for a quick weeknight meal or prepping lunch for the week, this flavorful bowl is nourishing, customizable, and incredibly satisfying.

• One-pot, 30-minute recipe
• Naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly
• Bold curry flavor with creamy coconut milk
• Easy to customize with your favorite protein or veggies
• Excellent for leftovers and meal prep

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Coconut milk (full-fat for best richness)
• Vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Red curry paste (or yellow/green based on preference)
• Curry powder
• Carrots, sliced
• Bell pepper, sliced
• Mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• Baby spinach or kale
• Lime juice
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Olive oil or coconut oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Cooked rice or rice noodles (for serving)
• Fresh cilantro and chili flakes (for garnish)

directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 34 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, ginger, and curry paste. Cook for 12 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add curry powder, carrots, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for another 34 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Stir in soy sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer uncovered for 1015 minutes, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
6. Stir in the baby spinach and lime juice. Cook for another 12 minutes until greens are wilted.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lime juice if needed.
8. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles and top with fresh cilantro and chili flakes.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Stir in tofu, chickpeas, shredded chicken, or shrimp.
• Make it Spicier: Add extra red curry paste, chili flakes, or sliced Thai chili.
• With Noodles: Use rice noodles instead of rice for a Thai-inspired noodle soup.
• Creamier Version: Add a second can of coconut milk for an ultra-rich broth.
• Add Sweetness: Stir in a teaspoon of maple syrup or brown sugar to balance the heat.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual servings for 23 minutes.
This soup freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use light coconut milk?

Yes, but full-fat coconut milk provides the creamiest, richest texture and flavor.

Is this soup vegan?

Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth and a vegan curry paste.

Can I use curry powder instead of curry paste?

You can, but the paste adds deeper flavor. Use both for the best results.

What vegetables work best?

Carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, snow peas, and zucchini are all great options.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats beautifully and the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your curry paste is gluten-free.

Can I add noodles directly to the soup?

Yes, but for best texture, cook noodles separately and add just before serving.

What’s the best curry paste to use?

Red curry paste is most common, but green or yellow curry paste works too depending on your spice preference.

Can I freeze this soup with rice or noodles?

It’s better to freeze the soup without rice or noodles, and add them fresh when reheating.

How do I balance the flavors if it’s too spicy?

Add more coconut milk, a touch of sweetener, or squeeze in extra lime juice to mellow the heat.

Conclusion

Coconut Curry Soup is a beautifully fragrant, feel-good meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. It’s rich, creamy, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for chilly nights, meal prep days, or anytime you want something warm and nourishing. Once you try it, it’ll become a go-to comfort food favorite.

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