Almond Basil Chili Red Lentil Soup

Almond‑Basil Chili Red Lentil Soup (Feeds 4–5)

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ayurvedic Benefits: Balancing for Vata and Kapha, mildly stimulating for Pitta
Cost: Approximately $8–$10 total

Ingredients

Soup Base

• 1½ cups red lentils, rinsed

• 2 cups almond milk

• 4 cups water

• 1 medium red onion, chopped

• 1 teaspoon chopped almonds (for texture)

• 1–2 fresh red chilies, chopped (plus chili flakes for garnish)

• Fresh basil, chopped for garnish

Seasonings (to taste)

• Salt & pepper

• Optional: garlic powder or onion powder

Instructions

1. Cook lentils & aromatics
   In a large pot, combine red lentils, chopped onion, red chilies, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, until lentils are soft.

2. Add almond milk & almonds
   Stir in almond milk and chopped almonds for added creaminess and texture.

3. Blend
   Use a blender or immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy.

4. Simmer to deepen flavors
   Return to low heat and simmer another 15–20 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve & garnish
   Ladle into bowls. Top with fresh chopped basil, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and a few chopped almonds. Serve warm.

Portion Accuracy

• Yield: ~6–7 cups of soup — enough for 4 hearty servings or 5 moderate servings.

Cost Breakdown (Ithaca, NY Prices)

IngredientEstimated CostRed lentils (1½ cups)$2–$2.50Almond milk (2 cups)$2–$2.50Red onion, chilies, basil, almonds$3–$4Water & seasoningsminimal

Total: $8–$10
Cost per serving: $1.60–$2.50

Ayurvedic Dosha Notes

This soup is creamy, warming, and lightly spiced, making it supportive for most doshas when served moderately.

Vata

• Warm, grounding, and creamy → very balancing

• Lentils + almond milk nourish and stabilize
  No modifications needed.

Pitta

• Red chilies and chili flakes are stimulating → can aggravate Pitta if spicy
  Pitta modifications:

• Use ½ the chili or omit flakes

• Add extra basil or a squeeze of lime for cooling

Kapha

• Lentils + almond milk are grounding but light enough for Kapha
  Kapha modifications:

• Add extra red chilies for warmth

• Keep portion moderate

• Garnish generously with fresh herbs to brighten the meal

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm corn tortillas or fluffy flour tortillas for a hearty, comforting meal.

• Optional sides: fresh salad or steamed vegetables.