Sopa De Lentejas is a popular Mexican soup that is healthy, delicious and ready in 30 minutes or less. It's full of flavor! You can’t go wrong with a big warm bowl of lentil soup.
I love making soups! My most popular soups so far are Traditional Sopa and Fideo Soup ! Just like this sopa de lentejas, they are healthy, easy to make, delicious and ready in no time.
In this post you’ll find:
This sopa de lentejas is ready in less than 30 minutes, but it tastes like a Mexican soup that’s been simmering all day! This is one of our favorite soups, especially since it’s made from all staple ingredients.
Ingredients
For this Lentejas soup I keep to the basics when it comes to the ingredients. It doesn't need much!
- carrots for texture
- tomatoes for sweetness
- celery & onions for depth.
- Fresh cilantro, wilted into the bubbling mixture while it cooks, is a must!!
- a good vegetable broth: homemade is always the best but if this is not an option always buy the one that comes in a box. The canned stuff just doesn't cut it!
- Vegetarian No Chicken Base (better than bullion) - I can say this condiment is almost a must and it's worth going out of your way to purchase it. It replaces the traditional chicken bullion (very popular in Mexican cuisine) as I no longer recommend it. The ingredients are not healthy and not good for you!
- The one ingredients we're not adding here is bacon to keep it healthy and plant-based. The original recipe calls to garnish with crispy bacon but it's not necessary in my opinion ;).
How to make Sopa De Lentejas
- Prep all of your ingredients by cutting everything into small squares as shown on the image above.
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the 1 tablespoon oil.
- When the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables become a little soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add the broth, tomato, lentils, better than bullion, salt, pepper and oregano.
- When it starts to boil, add the cilantro and cover pot with lid. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft, about 18 minutes. Check for taste and add more salt & pepper if desired.
- Serve hot. For extra flavor add a few dashes of hot sauce and a little squeezed fresh lime juice.
This lentejas soup is totally hearty but healthy comfort food. It’s packed with flavor and fills you up so this soup is an all-around win!
A few recipe notes
- Freezer Friendly? Yes Please! This lentil soup freezes with ease. Allow soup to cool completely, then transfer to a lidded freezer container for longer storage. Thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat stovetop.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead by 3 days and kept covered and refrigerated. If making ahead, the lentils may soak up more liquid. When reheating, add more vegetable stock or water to desired consistency.
- Soup Pot: I use a 4 Quart Dutch oven to make this soup, but a medium soup pot works well too.
People also ask:
Lentejas are made with basic ingredients like carrots, celery, onions, tomato, garlic and broth. They are slowly simmered until soft and can be enjoyed with hot sauce and lime juice. This is a popular way to eat lentils in Mexico.
The best lentils for soup can be green or red. Both kinds cook quickly as they are small in size. They don't require to be soaked prior to cooking as they cook quickly regardless.
Lentils cook in about 18 minutes in medium-low heat. This is the perfect timing to not undercook or overcook them.
What to Serve Lentejas Soup With
- A side of homemade Corn Tortillas will go perfect with lentil soup.
- Agua De Jamaica will also compliment this meal perfectly.
More Mexican soups you'll enjoy:
Print Recipe
Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup) - healthy & delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado or grapeseed oil
- ½ small white or yellow onion diced in small squares
- 2 medium carrots diced in small squares
- 1 celery stick diced in small squares
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 5 cups vegetable stock warm
- 1 medium tomato diced in small squares
- 1 cup dry lentils rinsed and dried
- 1 teaspoon Vegetarian No Chicken Base (better than bullion)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the 1 tablespoon oil.
- When the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables become a little soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add the broth, tomato, lentils, better than bullion, salt, pepper and oregano.
- When it starts to boil, add the cilantro and cover pot with lid. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft, about 18 minutes. Check for taste and add more salt & pepper if desired.
- Serve hot. For extra flavor add a few dashes of hot sauce and a little squeezed fresh lime juice.
Video
*Ana's Notes:
- This soup can be made ahead by 3 days and kept covered and refrigerated. If making ahead, the lentils may soak up more liquid. When rewarming, add more stock or water to desired consistency.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
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NUTRITION
The nutritional information and US conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data. If this is important to you, please verify with your favourite nutrition calculator and/or unit conversion tool.
This recipe was originally published in November 2019. Post has been updated to be show step by step instructions and to be more helpful.
Gail Montero says
So hearty and delicious and the perfect antidote to the coming chilly days!
Claudia Lamascolo says
We love lentils and they are so healthy what a perfect recipe for cooler months!
Ana Frias says
In Mexico we eat this soup year round! haha! But yes, i agree that is the perfect meal for cooler months. Thanks for stopping by!
Tania says
This is such a perfect cosy recipe for the autumn season! Can't wait to make it!
Ana Frias says
You will love it Tania! These Lentejas are the perfect comfort food...plus is good for you. Thank you!
Dannii says
What delicious comfort food. So nutrient dense too.
Ana Frias says
Hi Dannii! Yes the soup is very healthy & full of nutrients! thanks for the review
Michele says
We loved this Mexican Lentil Soup! Easy, delicious, and budget-friendly too! It is a winner!
Ana Frias says
Yes to all those reasons! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
Sarena S. says
This dish turned out absolutely amazing and was so easy! I garnished with some extra cilantro and fresh squeezed lime juice. I am not a soup person at all but I will definitely be making this again.
Ana Frias says
This makes my heart happy Sarena! So good to hear you loved this lentil soup! Thanks for your review 🙂
Monica L says
This looks absolutely delicious! I need to eat more lentils and this is perfect
Ana Frias says
Thank you Monica! Much appreciated!