Latin-Inspired Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

  1. 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
  2. 2 medium carrots, sliced into coins
  3. 3 stalks celery, finely diced
  4. 2 red potatoes, cubed
  5. 6 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1-inch piece of ginger, freshly grated
  7. 1 15 oz can of fire-roasted tomatoes
  8. 1 teaspoon sazón seasoning
  9. 1/2 teaspoon adobo seasoning
  10. 1 cup green lentils
  11. 1/3 cup red lentils
  12. 6 cups vegetable broth
  13. 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
  14. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  15. 1 bay leaf
  16. A handful of cilantro, roughly chopped (optional, but recommended)
  17. Olive oil, for sautéing

Instructions:

  1. Begin by heating 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Stir in the cubed potatoes, ensuring they are evenly distributed amongst the other vegetables.
  4. Incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger into the pot, stirring continuously until fragrant aromas arise.
  5. Next, add the fire-roasted tomatoes, sazón seasoning, and adobo seasoning to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  6. Introduce both the green and red lentils, followed by the vegetable broth, fresh thyme sprigs, chopped cilantro (if using), and dried oregano. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
  7. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  8. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid.
  9. Allow the soup to simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
  10. Once cooked, discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the soup.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more adobo seasoning for additional flavor, if desired.
  12. Serve the hearty Latin-inspired lentil soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.

Additional Information:

This Latin-style lentil soup offers a nutritious and comforting dish inspired by the vibrant flavors of Latin American cuisine. Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients, making this soup both satisfying and wholesome.

For a heartier variation, consider adding diced chorizo sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken during the cooking process. Additionally, serving the soup with a side of crusty bread or fluffy white rice can elevate the meal and provide a complete dining experience.

This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for customization based on personal preferences and ingredient availability. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, cozy dinner, or meal prep option for the week, this Latin-style lentil soup is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Latin-Style Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced into coins
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 red potatoes, cubed
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 15 oz can of fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 tsp sazón
  • 1/2 tsp adobo seasoning
  • 1 cup green lentils
  • 1/3 cup red lentils
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 4 sprigs of thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • A handful of cilantro (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tsp of olive oil, diced onions, carrots, and celery.
  2. Sauté until the onions are softened. Add in the cubed potatoes and stir to combine.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and continue to sauté until fragrant.
  4. To the pot, add the fire-roasted tomatoes, adobo seasoning, and sazón. Stir well.
  5. Add the green and red lentils, vegetable broth, thyme sprigs, roughly chopped cilantro, and dried oregano. Stir and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid.
  7. Allow the lentils to simmer for another 30 minutes or until they are fully cooked.
  8. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf, then serve. If desired, add more adobo seasoning for extra flavor.

Enjoy your hearty Latin-style lentil soup!