Authentic Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup) Recipe

User Reviews

5

81 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    6 servings

  • Calories

    134 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course, Soup

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Authentic Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup) Recipe

Authentic Lentejas is a Mexican lentil soup combining lentils with sautéed onion, carrots, celery, and garlic simmered in chicken broth with fresh tomato and seasoned with chicken bouillon, oregano, and black pepper. Cilantro added near the end gives a fresh herbal touch. The soup has a comforting texture from the tender lentils and soft vegetables, making it a nourishing meal suitable for any day.

Description

Authentic Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup) features lentils cooked with sautéed onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to build a savory base. The addition of fresh diced tomato and chicken broth creates a flavorful, broth-rich soup. Seasoned with chicken bouillon, oregano, and pepper, this soup simmers until the lentils soften, resulting in a hearty yet light bowl of soup with subtle herbal and spice notes.

The finishing touch of fresh cilantro stirred in before serving adds brightness and a hint of freshness that balances the earthiness of lentils and vegetables. The combination contributes to a warming, satisfying texture and flavor perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

This soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to three days. Since lentils absorb liquid over time, adding broth or water during reheating helps restore the desired consistency. Garnishing with hot sauce and fresh lime juice can add additional layers of flavor if desired.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or grapeseed oil
  • ½ onion diced in small squares, small, white or yellow
  • 2 carrot diced in small squares, medium
  • 1 celery diced in small squares, stick
  • 1 garlic minced, clove
  • 5 cups chicken broth warm, or vegetable broth
  • 1 tomato diced in small squares, medium
  • 1 cup lentils rinsed and dried, dry
  • 1 cube chicken bouillon or ½ teaspoon Vegetarian No Chicken Base (better than bullion
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper fresh ground
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the 1 tablespoon oil.
  2. When the oil is hot, add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables become a little soft, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add the broth, tomato, lentils, bullion, salt, pepper and oregano.
  4. When it starts to boil, add the cilantro and cover pot with lid. Bring to a simmer.  
  5. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft, about 18 minutes. Check for taste and add more salt & pepper if desired.
  6. Serve hot. For extra flavor add a few dashes of hot sauce and a little squeezed fresh lime juice.

Notes

  • Prepare the soup up to three days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.
  • Add extra broth or water when reheating if the lentils have absorbed too much liquid.
  • For added flavor, serve with hot sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1cup Calories 134kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 19g (6%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 6mg (2%) Sodium 988mg (41%) Fiber 7g (28%) Sugar 3g (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 134 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cup
Calories 134kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 19g 6%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 6mg 2%
Sodium 988mg 41%
Fiber 7g 28%
Sugar 3g 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

81 reviews
Excellent

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