Indian Mulligatawny Soup Recipe – Indian Special

Indian Mulligatawny Soup is a rich and fragrant Anglo-Indian dish that blends warming spices with hearty ingredients like red lentils, carrot, and apple to create a delightfully spiced soup. Infused with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, it offers depth of flavor whether you choose a vegetarian or meaty version. The addition of coconut milk or cream gives it a smooth, creamy texture, making this creamy soup ideal for chilly evenings when you crave something comforting and flavorful.

  • Prep Time15 min
  • Cook Time30 min
  • Total Time45 min

Indian Mulligatawny Soup Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 apple, peeled and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1/2 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional)
  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or lamb (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Sauté Aromatics:

1

In a large pot, melt butter or ghee over medium heat.

2

Add onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3

Stir in carrot, apple, and all the spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder). Cook for 2 minutes.

Cook the Soup:

4

Add red lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until lentils and vegetables are soft.

Blend and Finish:

5

Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or blend in batches in a blender).

6

Stir in coconut milk or cream, rice, and cooked meat (if using). Simmer for another 5–10 minutes.

7

Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.

Serve:

8

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.

9

Serve hot with naan or crusty bread.

Recipe Notes :

Lentil Cooking Time: 📌 Use red lentils for quick cooking; simmer until fully soft, usually around 20 minutes.

Meat Addition: You can stir in cooked shredded chicken or lamb to make the soup heartier; add it after blending to preserve texture.

Apple Note: The apple adds mild sweetness and balance; adjust the amount or use a tart apple if you prefer more tang.

Creaminess Level: Using coconut milk yields a subtler, slightly sweet creaminess; heavy cream makes it richer.

Storage Guidelines: The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; flavors often deepen with time.