Follow these simple steps to create Creamy Carrot Red Lentil Soup:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by rinsing the red lentils thoroughly under cold water and chop the vegetables.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and black pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Mix in Carrots and Lentils: Add the diced carrots and rinsed lentils to the pot, stirring well to incorporate them with the spices.
5. Pour in Broth: Add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
6. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired level of creaminess. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
7. Stir in Coconut Milk: Once the soup is blended, return it to low heat and stir in the coconut milk. Let it heat for a few minutes, and season with salt to taste.
8. Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

These steps will guide you effortlessly to a delicious bowl of Creamy Carrot Red Lentil Soup, ready to be enjoyed!