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Mexican Lentil Soup Recipe

Authentic Mexican lentil soup, sopa de lentejas, prepared with sautéed onions, carrots, tomatoes, and bacon. An easy weeknight recipe made with pantry staples.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Servings: 8 bowls
Calories: 375 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. lentils green
  • 2 qts. chicken broth homemade or low-sodium
  • 6 strips Bacon
  • 1 white onion large
  • 3 carrots medium
  • 3 Roma (plum) tomatoes
  • 6 sprigs cilantro
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. salt + as needed to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Lentils
    Cup of Yum
  1. Soak the lentils in water for 30 minutes then drain the water from the lentils and rinse under cold water.
  2. Place the lentils in a large pot. Add the 2 quarts of chicken broth and ½ of the white onion.
  3. On high bring to a boil. When the lentils have come to a boil reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tsp. salt. Remove any foam that forms.
Preparing the Bacon
  1. Cut the strips of bacon in half. 
  2. In a medium-hot pan, cook the bacon until it has started to brown on both sides.
  3. Add the browned bacon to the lentils and continue cooking over medium heat. Remove the half onion from the lentils and discard.
Preparing the Vegetables
  1. Peel and chop the carrots into ¼ in. pieces.
  2. Chop the onion into ¼ in. pieces.
  3. Remove the seeds and chop the tomatoes into ¼ in. pieces.
  4. Preheat 3 tbsps. olive oil to medium hot. Add the onion first and cook for 3 minutes until the onions just start to become translucent.
  5. Add the carrots and cook for 3 more minutes.
  6. Add the tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes are just starting to break apart.
  7. Add the onion, carrot, tomato mixture, and the sprigs of cilantro to the lentils and stir.
Finishing the Soup
  1. Cook your lentils for 10 more minutes. Add water one cup at a time if the soup is too thick. Taste and add salt if needed before serving.

Notes

  • The lentils can be cooked in an Instant Pot.
  • Finely chop the bacon if you prefer.
  • You can substitute 6 ounces of ham for the bacon. Prepare the same as bacon.
  • To make this soup vegan, just substitute vegetable broth or water for the chicken broth and omit the bacon or ham.
  • It will keep in the refrigerator for 5 days.

Nutrition Information

Calories 375kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 42g (14%) Protein 22g (44%) Fat 14g (22%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 11mg (4%) Sodium 441mg (18%) Potassium 935mg (27%) Fiber 18g (72%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 4150IU (83%) Vitamin C 8mg (9%) Calcium 54mg (5%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8bowls

Amount Per Serving

Calories 375

% Daily Value*

Calories 375kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 42g 14%
Protein 22g 44%
Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 441mg 18%
Potassium 935mg 20%
Fiber 18g 72%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 4150IU 83%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 54mg 5%
Iron 5mg 28%

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

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