Mexican Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe
Our favourite Mexican Vegan Lentil Soup is made with lots of fresh vegetables, lentils and a simple broth. It's a wholesome one-pot meal that is perfect for days when you're in a rush but want to eat something comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small red onion diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup carrot finely diced
- ½ cup celery finely diced
- 3 Roma tomatoes finely diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup lentils dry
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Toppings and Garnish:
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges
- Chillies sliced
- Avocado diced
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat up one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, onion, and carrot to the pot and sauté for 5-8 minutes, or until transparent.
- Next, add the chopped tomatoes to the cooked vegetable mixture. Cook the tomatoes for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften. 30 seconds later, add the garlic and stir until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed lentils, bay leaf, and vegetable stock to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil. Then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer (low heat) for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are nice and tender.
- In addition, add the cumin, coriander and oregano, cumin along with a little more salt and pepper. Make sure to taste once the lentils have cooked through. For another five minutes or so, simmer the soup on low, uncovered, to allow the flavours to blend.
- Lastly, top the soup with lime wedges. Garnish it with diced avocado, tomatoes, green onions, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Choose the right type of lentils: Different types of lentils have different flavours, textures, and cooking times. Brown and green lentils hold their shape well and are good for soups. Red lentils tend to break down and are better for purees and curries. French lentils are nutty and firm and work well in salads and side dishes.
- Soak the lentils: Soak the lentils for a few hours before cooking. It can help to reduce their cooking time and make them easier to digest. Rinse the lentils well and then soak them in water for 2-4 hours before cooking.
- Use flavourful vegetables and spices: Lentil soup is often made with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and tomatoes. Adding spices, for example, cumin, coriander, and bay leaves can add depth and flavour to the soup. Use fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to add freshness and brightness to the finished dish.
- Use a good quality broth: The broth you use can make a big difference in the flavour of the soup. Homemade broth or a high-quality store-bought broth can add depth and richness to the soup. If using store-bought broth, choose low-sodium varieties. It controls the salt level in the soup.
- Cook the lentils in a proper way: Lentil soup is good for you but while cooking lentils, make sure that they are not mushy but rather tender. Brown and green lentils can take up to 45 minutes to cook, while red lentils cook much faster. Add salt towards the end of the cooking time to prevent the lentils from becoming tough.
- Add acidic items at the end: Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end of cooking. It can enhance the flavours of the soup and balance the richness of the lentils.