Description
Decadent Lentil Tortilla Soup is a hearty, comforting, and nourishing dish combining slow-cooked lentils, fresh or fire-roasted tomatoes, and crispy tortilla strips. Rich in flavor and texture, this soup offers a perfect balance of earthiness, warmth, and brightness, making it ideal for cozy meals year-round. It’s packed with protein and fiber, easy to customize, and delivers a soul-warming experience in every bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Lentil Soup Base
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced or 1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes and Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- Tortilla strips, crispy (1 cup or as desired)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, creating a savory base for the soup.
- Toast Spices: Sprinkle in ground cumin and smoked paprika. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their oils and deepen the flavor profile.
- Add Lentils and Tomatoes: Add rinsed lentils and diced fresh or canned fire-roasted tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients evenly before adding the liquid.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour in vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking.
- Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some lentils whole for added texture and bite.
- Final Touches: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze in fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors, then stir in chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal finish.
Notes
- Soaking lentils beforehand is optional but can reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Using fire-roasted tomatoes adds a smoky depth that enhances the overall dish.
- Don’t skip the lime juice at the end; it balances richness and elevates flavor.
- Add tortilla strips just before serving to maintain their crispiness and avoid sogginess.
- Reserve some broth separately in case you want to thin the soup during cooking or when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lentil soup, tortilla soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, vegan soup, gluten free, comfort food, Mexican soup, slow-cooked soup
