Description
Comforting Mexican Lentil Soup warms souls with robust flavors and nourishing ingredients. Packed with rich spices and wholesome legumes, this simple one-pot meal delivers authentic satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Hearty Lentil Soup Ingredient List
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) dried lentils (green or brown)
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes (with juices)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and ground cumin, stirring quickly to prevent burning and allow spices to release their aromatic oils for about 30-45 seconds.
- Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, then introduce lentils to the pot, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup gently simmer for 30-35 minutes, occasionally stirring and checking liquid levels.
- When lentils reach a tender consistency, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
Notes
- Experiment with different types of lentils like red, green, or brown for varied textures and flavors.
- Enhance protein content by adding diced chicken or tofu for a more substantial meal.
- Make it gluten-free by ensuring vegetable broth is certified gluten-free and avoiding any cross-contamination.
- Boost nutritional value by tossing in extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg