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.

📝 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

1. 1--- Preparing the Lentils ---
2. 2Soak the lentils in water for 30 minutes then drain the water from the lentils and rinse under cold water.
3. 3Place the lentils in a large pot. Add the 2 quarts of chicken broth and 1/2 of the white onion.
4. 4On 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.
5. 5--- Preparing the Bacon ---
6. 6Cut the strips of bacon in half.
7. 7In a medium-hot pan, cook the bacon until it has started to brown on both sides.
8. 8Add the browned bacon to the lentils and continue cooking over medium heat. Remove the half onion from the lentils and discard.
9. 9--- Preparing the Vegetables ---
10. 10Peel and chop the carrots into 1/4 in. pieces.
11. 11Chop the onion into 1/4 in. pieces.
12. 12Remove the seeds and chop the tomatoes into 1/4 in. pieces.
13. 13Preheat 3 tbsps. olive oil to medium hot. Add the onion first and cook for 3 minutes until the onions just start to become translucent.
14. 14Add the carrots and cook for 3 more minutes.
15. 15Add the tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes are just starting to break apart.
16. 16Add the onion, carrot, tomato mixture, and the sprigs of cilantro to the lentils and stir.
17. 17--- Finishing the Soup ---
18. 18Cook 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.