Golden Glow Red Lentil Soup (Instant Pot, Crockpot, Stove Top)
Golden Glow Red Lentil Soup is an easy one-pot meal that’s bursting with nourishment. Simple to make in the Instant Pot, Crockpot, or stovetop, you’re going to love this gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian recipe.

Ohhhhhh, I’m so excited to share this crazy simple, ultra delicious recipe with you today!
I’ve been a big fan of red lentils for a long time, from how hearty and protein-packed they are, to how, when cooked, they melt into a rich, creamy, satisfying supper.
I developed this particular twist on red lentils for the annual holiday potluck last year at the yoga studio where I practice and teach.
Looking for something filling and comforting, but also meat-, gluten-, and dairy-free, I landed on this combo of turmeric (that’s where the glow comes from!), red lentils, and coconut milk.
Now, to be clear, I know that lentils are never going to be the most glamorous item on a holiday potluck buffet.
And, at the beginning of the night, not many people ventured to taste it.
But, once a few people dipped into the warm pot of goodness, word spread around the party, and it ended up being the very first dish to go.
People were scraping the bottom of the pot, in hopes of savoring a few last bites.
After the party success, I promised my fellow yogis that I’d write the recipe down so they could enjoy and bring to parties, and of course so that you can, too.
The best part is that this recipe can be prepared in an electric pressure cooker, pressure cooker, or on the stove top, so anyone can make it.
I personally like preparing it in the slow cooker or Instant Pot for parties, because then it can be transported and served it warm all night long.
I hope you’ll make this one soon. If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!
PS – If you love this easy crockpot soup, I think you’ll really like this collection of vegetarian slow cooker recipes too!




recipe & kid friendly adaptations
1 | Serve with rice for a complete and filling meal.
2 | Add a splash more water or stock for a thinner consistency.
3 | This soup freezes well. Check out this post for my top freezer tips.
this recipe is…
Dairy FreeGluten FreeNut FreeVeganVegetarian
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Glow Red Lentil Soup (Instant Pot, Crockpot, Stove Top)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or ghee
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 cups dry red lentils, rinsed
- 5 cups water
- 2 15-oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons honey , (or coconut sugar for vegan)
- 2-4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Optional toppings: chopped green onion, chopped cilantro
Instructions
Instant Pot Instructions
- Set the saute function of an electric pressure cooker to 10 minutes. Once heated, add the coconut oil, onion, and pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are tender, about 8 minutes.
- Add the turmeric, garlic, and ginger, stirring until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the lentils and water stirring to combine. Secure the lid, select the manual setting, and set it to high pressure for 10 minutes.
- When the pressure cooker timer is done, quick release the pressure.
- Add the tomatoes, coconut milk, 1-2 teaspoons of salt, honey or coconut sugar, and lime juice, stirring to combine. Taste, and keep adding salt until the soup is flavorful and balanced. Salt is the key, here, so taste and keep adding until it’s super flavorful. Serve with chopped green onion, cilantro, and additional lime juice to taste.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Heat a medium pot over medium heat. Add the coconut oil, onion, and pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are tender, about 8 minutes.
- Add the turmeric, garlic, and ginger, stirring until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the onion mixture, lentils and water to a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or low for 6-8, or until the lentils are very soft and begin to break apart, adding additional water if the mixture begins to dry out.
- Add the tomatoes, coconut milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, honey or coconut sugar, and lime juice, stirring to combine. Taste, and keep adding salt until the soup is flavorful and balanced. Salt is the key, here, so taste and keep adding until it’s super flavorful. Serve with chopped green onion, cilantro, and additional lime juice to taste.
Stovetop Instructions
- Using a large Dutch oven or pot, follow instructions for the slow cooker above for steps 1-2.
- Cover, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook on low until the lentils are tender, about 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding additional liquid if necessary.
- Follow step 4 for the slow cooker above.
Nutrition Information:
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Did you puree this at all? Do you think it would stand up well to a pass through the Vitamix at the end? Thanks!
Hi Laura, the lentils break down pretty well during cooking, but if you want it ultra smooth definitely give it a run through the vitamix!
What can I use in place of the coconut milk? I’m allergic to coconut 🙁
Heather, heavy cream or half and half would work, or a good quality almond or cashew milk (the later won’t be quite as creamy but still super yummy!). Hope you enjoy.
During which step is the honey added? I see it on the ingredient list but not the instructions…
Hey Amanda, in step 5! Do a little taste and see if it needs it, honey will balance out the other flavors, but it’s not always necessary. Hope you enjoy!
This soup was easy and delicious, my whole family enjoyed it. It even made my lentil-hating husband a believer, and my 6 year old asked for it again the next day.
Christina, yay, love it when that happens! So glad you and your crew enjoyed!
Healthy and delicious! We love this recipe and have it in our regular rotation. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Elizabeth! So happy to hear you’re enjoying this one.
Absolutely love. A staple. I keep the ingredients on hand and it’s a go-to!! Thank you so much for this!
Lex, yay, so happy to hear you’re enjoying this one. Cheers to easy recipes using on-hand ingredients!
Would the recipe work as well with green lentils? Would it be as pretty and tasty? I have a big bag of green. Thanks!
Hi Christy, I haven’t tried it but this one will likely work with green lentils. They won’t dissolve the way red will, and it definitely won’t be as pretty, but it should taste good. If you give it a try let us know how it turns out!
Thank you — I will get some red lentils and stick to the script. It is just too pretty! Thanks!
Christy, wonderful, I hope you enjoy!
So delicious! Like all of Robyn’s recipes, short ingredient list and no-fuss recipe that yields gourmet results! Tastes even better the next day.
Love this, Michelle, thanks you so much for this review!
Hi! I’m sure I’m missing it, but when do I add the honey in the slow cooker instructions? Is it in step #11 when you add the coconut milk, lime juice, etc? Thanks so much!
Linda, yes, along with the lime juice at the end! We updated the recipe to make that clearer. Thanks for asking, and hope you enjoy this one!
Amazing recipe. We loved it 👍👍
Justin, yay, so glad you enjoyed this one. Thanks so much for leaving a review!
The perfect dish for the start of autumn. I couldn’t find coconut sugar during my weekly shop but agave nectar proved to be a good substitution.
Thank you, Robyn, for this simple yet utterly delicious and healthy recipe.
Sarah, yay, so happy to hear you enjoyed this one! Great note on using agave as a sub for coconut sugar, super helpful. Thanks so much for leaving a review!
I made this recipe and loved it. I did it in the slow cooker.
I was wondering can I put more veggies in the crockpot like carrots the next time I make it.
So glad you enjoyed! Yes, I think 1-2 cups chopped carrot would work well. If you give it a try let us know how it turns out!
Added carrots to lentil soup. So good!!!!
Thanks
Great to know, thanks so much for the helpful tip!