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Delicious Mexican Lentil Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating

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This Mexican lentil soup is a hearty, protein-packed dish made with fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and nutritious lentils. Perfect for meal prep, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and naturally vegan. Serve it with avocado slices, cilantro, and tortilla chips for an authentic touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried green lentils (or brown lentils)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or ½ cup tomato puree)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or water with bouillon cube)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried marjoram (or oregano)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 jalapeño, chopped (optional, for spice)

Garnishes & Optional Additions

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Avocado slices
  • Tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:

    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
    • Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
    • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.

  2. Add the Lentils and Tomatoes:

    • Rinse the dried lentils under cold water and drain.
    • Add lentils to the pot along with chopped tomatoes or tomato puree. Stir well.

  3. Incorporate the Broth and Spices:

    • Pour in vegetable broth.
    • Add bay leaf, cumin, thyme, marjoram, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
    • Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

  4. Simmer the Soup:

    • Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Check if lentils are tender. If needed, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

  5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:

    • Remove the bay leaf.
    • Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
    • For extra flavor, add fresh lime juice, cilantro, or jalapeño.

Notes

  • For a thicker consistency, blend half the soup and mix it back in.
  • To make it spicier, add more jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • For extra protein, stir in cooked quinoa or black beans.
  • Best served with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or over rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican lentil soup, healthy soup recipe, vegan lentil soup, plant-based meals, budget-friendly recipes

Find it online: https://stacirecipes.com/mexican-lentil-soup-recipe/