Cozy Coconut Curry Lentil Soup: Cancer-Fighting Powerhouse for Women Over 50
When the weather starts to cool down, nothing beats a big, warm bowl of soup. And this Coconut Curry Lentil Soup? Oh, it’s packed with all the flavors we love—creamy coconut, fragrant spices, and hearty lentils. But here’s the best part: this soup isn’t just comforting and delicious. It’s a total health hero—especially for women over 50.
With cancer-fighting ingredients like tomatoes, ginger, quinoa, and turmeric, this bowl does way more than just warm you up. It’s full of nourishing ingredients that work to reduce inflammation, fight free radicals, and support overall wellness. Ready to cozy up with a bowl that makes you feel just as good as it tastes? Let’s dive in!
Why This Soup is a Must for Women Over 50
As we get older, staying on top of our health becomes even more important, right? The great news is, this soup’s got your back. From antioxidant-rich tomatoes to fiber-packed lentils and quinoa, each ingredient plays a role in fighting inflammation and protecting against cancer. Here’s how this cozy recipe helps keep you healthy while still being super satisfying.
Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
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Equipment
- dutch oven or large pot
- microplane or grater
- wooden spoon
- sharp chef's knife
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 shallot finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger minced or finely grated
- 1 tbsp medium curry powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup red lentils soaked overnight
- ½ cup quinoa
- 3 cups vegetable broth or water
- 14 ½ oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can coconut cream or milk
- 1 tsp coconut aminos
- ½ cup cilantro plus extra for serving
- 1 tsp Celtic sea salt
Instructions
- For best results, soak the lentils in water overnight to degas.
- Heat coconut oil in a medium-sized Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until softened and golden brown, about two minutes.2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 shallot
- Add garlic, ginger, curry powder, and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about two minutes.2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp fresh ginger, 1 tbsp medium curry powder, ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Stir in the soaked lentils and cook for about one minute. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, cilantro, broth, coconut cream, coconut aminos, salt, and quinoa. Stir frequently and let the soup come to a light boil, cooking for about 10 minutes.1 cup red lentils, ½ cup quinoa, 3 cups vegetable broth or water, 14 ½ oz can crushed tomatoes, 1 can coconut cream or milk, 1 tsp coconut aminos, ½ cup cilantro, 1 tsp Celtic sea salt
- Serve the soup with a drizzle of coconut cream, garnishing with cilantro and fresh lime.
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Cooking & Preparation Tips for the Perfect Bowl
Want to take this soup to the next level? Here are some tips to make it even easier and tastier!- Soak Your Lentils: To make your lentils cook faster and easier to digest, soak them overnight. This helps to reduce any bloating and makes them extra tender.
- Toast the Spices: When sautéing the garlic, ginger, curry powder, and red pepper flakes, let them toast for a couple of minutes to unlock all the flavors. This step makes the soup more aromatic and gives it that rich, deep taste.
- Simmer for Extra Flavor: Once all the ingredients are in the pot, let the soup simmer for a while. This gives the quinoa and lentils time to absorb all the delicious spices, making the soup extra flavorful and creamy.
- Make it Creamy: Save a little coconut cream to drizzle on top when serving—this adds that extra luxurious touch and a burst of flavor.
- Add Some Greens: Want to take it up a notch? Throw in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. It adds a nutrient boost without overpowering the flavors.
Kitchen Tools to Make Cooking Easy
To make this soup come together effortlessly, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:- Dutch Oven or Large Pot: A Dutch oven is perfect for evenly cooking the soup and letting it simmer gently without losing any moisture. Plus, it looks great on your stove! 🥘
- Microplane or Grater: Use a microplane for finely grating fresh ginger—it helps distribute the ginger evenly throughout the soup, maximizing its flavor and health benefits.
- Wooden Spoon: A sturdy wooden spoon is your best friend when stirring the soup, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom while gently combining all the ingredients.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: A good, sharp knife is key for prepping your shallot, garlic, and ginger quickly and safely.
Cancer-Fighting Ingredients You’ll Love
1. Tomatoes (Crushed Tomatoes)
Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its cancer-fighting properties—particularly when it comes to breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Lycopene works to neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and even help repair damaged cells. Adding tomatoes to your diet is an easy way to boost your cancer defense!
2. Ginger
Ginger is more than just a flavor booster—it’s loaded with bioactive compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have been shown to suppress cancer cell growth and fight inflammation. Since chronic inflammation can be a precursor to cancer, incorporating ginger into your diet is a smart move for long-term health.
3. Red Lentils
Lentils are high in fiber, and studies show that fiber helps reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. For women over 50, getting enough fiber is key to gut health, and lentils are an easy, tasty way to do just that. Plus, they’re hearty and filling, keeping you satisfied while working their magic.
4. Quinoa
Quinoa is a fiber superstar and a complete protein—meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. Fiber-rich quinoa supports digestion, promotes a healthy gut, and may lower the risk of colorectal cancer. It’s also packed with antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol, which may help fight off free radicals that contribute to cancer cell growth.
5. Curry Powder (Turmeric)
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been shown to block the growth of cancer cells and even improve the effectiveness of treatments like chemotherapy. Its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a key player in preventing cancers, including breast cancer.
6. Coconut Aminos
Coconut aminos are a fantastic low-sodium substitute for soy sauce, which means you get the savory flavor you crave without excess salt. Too much sodium has been linked to a higher risk of stomach cancer, so swapping in coconut aminos is a smart, delicious choice.
Bringing it All Together
There you have it—a delicious, cozy, and nutrient-packed Coconut Curry Lentil Soup that not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports your overall health. With cancer-fighting ingredients like tomatoes, ginger, quinoa, and turmeric, you can feel good about every bite.
The Science Behind the Benefits:
- Tomatoes provide lycopene to help fight breast cancer.
- Ginger reduces inflammation and suppresses cancer cell growth.
- Lentils and quinoa bring fiber to support gut health and prevent colorectal cancer.
- Turmeric’s curcumin fights cancer cells while boosting overall health.
So, grab your Dutch oven, get your ingredients prepped, and whip up a batch of this feel-good soup. You’ll love how it tastes and how it makes you feel—inside and out.