Mulligatawny Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish with roots in Indian cuisine. This recipe combines vibrant spices, creamy textures, and wholesome ingredients, creating a bowl of pure comfort. The following recipe serves six and can be easily adapted for a vegan diet by using vegetable oil and vegetable broth.

1. Authentic Indian Mulligatawny Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter or vegetable oil (for a vegan option)
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 red jalapeño, seeded and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons peeled and minced ginger root
  • 2 small firm apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup red lentils, uncooked
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2/3 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Roasted cashews for garnish
  • Chopped cilantro and/or scallions for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Aromatics

Heat the butter or vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced jalapeño. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables soften, about 5–7 minutes.

Add Garlic and Ginger

Stir in the minced garlic and ginger root. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.

Incorporate Apples and Spices

Add the diced apples, curry powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, black pepper, and thyme. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the apples and release the spices’ aroma.

Add Tomatoes and Lentils

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and red lentils. Stir everything together to combine evenly.

Simmer the Soup

Add the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the apples break down.

Blend and Add Coconut Milk

Once the soup is cooked, use an immersion blender to purée it until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave some of the soup unblended. Stir in the canned coconut milk and season with salt and additional black pepper to taste.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with roasted cashews, chopped cilantro, and/or scallions for a bright and nutty finish.

2. Tips to Perfect Mulligatawny Soup

Adjust the Heat: If you enjoy spicier dishes, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, use fewer chili peppers or omit them altogether.

Customize the Texture: Blend the soup completely for a creamy finish or leave it partially chunky for added texture.

Fresh Spices Matter: Using freshly ground spices enhances the depth of flavor, so opt for fresh ingredients whenever possible.

Add Protein: To make it heartier, add cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas during the simmering stage.

3. What to Eat With Mulligatawny Soup

This soup pairs beautifully with various accompaniments:

Naan Bread or Roti: These soft, Indian flatbreads are perfect for dipping and scooping up the soup.

Steamed Rice: A side of basmati rice or jasmine rice complements the soup’s richness and adds texture.

Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side dish balances the heat of the spices.

Mixed Green Salad: A light, tangy salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy soup.

4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: This soup freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Mulligatawny Soup is an aromatic, comforting dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Its versatile nature allows for endless customization, while the rich combination of spices and creamy coconut milk ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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