Hearty Mexican Lentil Soup

This Hearty Mexican Lentil Soup is a nutritious, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. Packed with protein-rich lentils, vegetables, and bold Mexican spices, this soup is comforting and filling. Whether you’re enjoying it for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing it in advance for meal prep, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and filling: Lentils are an excellent source of protein and fiber, making this soup both nutritious and satisfying.
• Simple ingredients: It’s made with pantry staples and easy-to-find fresh ingredients.
• One-pot meal: Everything comes together in one pot, which makes clean-up a breeze.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and swap out veggies or lentils to suit your tastes.
• Meal-prep friendly: This soup keeps well and reheats easily, perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lentils
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Diced tomatoes
• Vegetable broth
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Jalapeño (optional, for extra heat)
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add the spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
3. Add the lentils and liquids: Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Season and finish: Add salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste. If you like a spicier soup, you can also stir in some chopped jalapeño at this point. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add more vegetables: Feel free to toss in other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn for added texture and flavor.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add more jalapeños, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper.
• Protein boost: You can add cooked chicken, sausage, or even tofu for extra protein.
• Make it creamy: Stir in some coconut milk or cream to add a rich, creamy texture.
• Switch up the lentils: You can substitute green or red lentils instead of brown, but be mindful that red lentils cook faster and might break down more, resulting in a creamier soup.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much after storage, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.

2. Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?

No, lentils cook quickly and do not require soaking. Just rinse them before adding them to the soup.

3. Can I use canned lentils?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use canned lentils. Just reduce the cooking time to 10-15 minutes since the lentils are already cooked.

4. How can I make this soup spicier?

You can increase the heat by adding more jalapeños, chili powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper.

5. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, if you’re not following a vegetarian or vegan diet, chicken broth can be used in place of vegetable broth.

6. What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with a side of crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad.

7. Can I add beans to the soup?

Absolutely! Black beans or kidney beans would be a great addition to this lentil soup.

8. How do I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or simply let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid.

9. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

10. What toppings can I add to this soup?

Popular toppings include avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Conclusion

This Hearty Mexican Lentil Soup is a delicious, filling, and healthy meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any day of the week. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, this soup is bound to become a favorite in your household. It’s versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences and can easily be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy days.

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