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    Home » Recipes » Vegetarian » Sopa de Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup) + VIDEO

    Sopa de Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup) + VIDEO

    Last Updated December 5, 2022. Originally Posted March 2, 2021 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Sopa de Lentejas, or Mexican Lentil Soup, a warm taste of home. Comforting and cozy deliciousness. Hope you enjoy!
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    A white bowl of Sopa de Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup) topped with cilantro.

    Sopa de Lentejas is one of my kiddo’s favorite meals.

    My son loves riding his bike, video games, and lentil soup. Yes, you read that right – lentils.

    Who knew this little bean would ever compete with chicken nuggets?! Lol!

    You’re going to love this delicious Mexican lentil soup recipe just as much as my son.

    How to Make It

    A collage showing how to make lentil soup in a pot.

    • Heat olive oil in a large stockpot.
    • Saute the carrots for 2 minutes.
    • Add white onion. Cook for 1 minute.
    • Then add the rinsed lentils and add to the pot and plenty of cold water.

    Pull out a large pot. The largest one you have.

    We are using basic ingredients in this easy recipe.

    To add more flavor, use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or bouillon cubes instead of water.

    Can I substitute green lentils for brown lentils?

    Yes. You can substitute one for the other. Both hold their shape well and are similar in taste. Red lentils tend to melt easily, and if you want a smoother lentejas soup, this variety works well. 

    Do lentils need to be soaked?

    No. Lentils don’t need to soaked, but if you soak them, it reduces the cooking time in half.

    A collage showing the adding of more ingredients to make the Mexican lentil soup.

    • Add the garlic cloves, salt, and bay leaf to the soup pot.
    • Cook for 25 minutes over medium heat.

    You are looking for tender lentils. Not “snuggly soft” – easy-to-chew soft.

    This recipe is 100% Mexican vegan. 100% Mexican vegetarian. It’s also a great recipe to make during the Lent season.

    To this a complete one-pot meal, try adding:

    • calabacitas or Italian zucchini
    • celery
    • green beans
    • peas

    For a little heat, try adding diced jalapeno.

    A pot of lentil cooking with tomato sauce.

    • Add the tomato sauce.
    • Cook 10 minutes.

    The tomato sauce will thicken the soup slightly. For a really thick soup, add tomato paste and cook for 10 minutes.

    Please know that this is my way of making this recipe and everyone seems to have their own version of lentil soup. 

    This Mexican lentils recipe is incredibly easy and very adaptable. 

    Variations:

    Some people will even add cloves, cinnamon, ground cumin, or fresh cilantro to the soup. Many people like to add Mexican chorizo, top it with hot sauce, or add a squeeze lime.

    A soup holding the lentil soup over the bowl of soup.

    How Long Does It Last?

    • In the fridge, the soup lasts 3-4 days in a airtight container.
    • In the freezer, it can last up to 6 months in a sealable plastic bag.

    Mexican Lentil Soup, or Sopa de Lentejas, is a warm taste of home. It’s the perfect comfort food and a great way to warm up on rainy days. Serve this easy lunch with tortilla chips, bolillo, or these Easy Dinner Rolls.

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Mexican Lentil Soup, or Sopa de Lentejas

    Sopa de Lentejas, or Mexican Lentil Soup, a warm taste of home. Comforting and cozy deliciousness. Hope you enjoy!
    5 from 44 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 38 minutes
    Total Time: 43 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 326kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 2 tbsp oil
    • 2 carrots peeled and diced
    • 1/2 onion diced
    • 1 lb. lentils
    • 10 cups Water
    • 1 garlic clove finely minced
    • 1 tbsp Salt
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1/2 cup tomato sauce

    Instructions

    • Heat oil in a large stock pot.
    • Saute the carrots for 2 minutes.
    • Add the onions. Cook for 1 minute.
    • Rinse the lentils and add to the pot.
    • Add water, garlic, salt, and bay leaf.
    • Cook for 25 minutes.
    • Add tomato sauce.
    • Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until lentils are soft.
    • Remove and discard the bay leaf.
    • Serve and enjoy.

    Video

    Notes

    HOW LONG DOES SOPA DE LENTEJAS LAST?
    • In the fridge, Sopa de Lentejas last 3-4 days.
    • In the freezer, Mexican Lentil soup can last up to 6 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1308mg | Potassium: 868mg | Fiber: 24g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3515IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 6mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    A white bowl of Sopa de Lentejas next to pickled jalapenos and bread.
    This post was recently updated. You might remember the old picture.

    Filed Under: Healthy, Mexican, Recipes, Vegetarian

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anosa

      February 20, 2021 at 7:47 am

      Although I am not big on lentil soup, the rest of my family loves it but we’ve not tried the Mexican version.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 24, 2021 at 1:19 pm

        It’s delicious. Hope you try it

        Reply
    2. Tammy

      February 22, 2021 at 9:59 am

      5 stars
      I adore soups and this one looks really good. I love lentals. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        April 27, 2021 at 11:38 am

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    3. Bella

      April 29, 2021 at 7:44 pm

      This looks so good!! I totally need to make this, thanks for sharing this recipe

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        May 25, 2021 at 12:03 pm

        Thanks. Hope you make it.

        Reply
    4. Tisha

      April 30, 2021 at 11:06 am

      5 stars
      I could Eat soup year round. Mexican lentil soup sounds delicious

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        May 3, 2021 at 11:07 am

        Me too. Soup is delicious. 🙂

        Reply
        • Ellen

          August 15, 2022 at 3:37 pm

          I don’t see how this recipe is Mexican. It’s pretty standard lentil soup. How bout some seasoning to give it a Mexican taste.

        • Maggie Unzueta

          August 22, 2022 at 2:29 pm

          This is how I make the soup. I usually serve it with bolillo and sliced pickled jalapeno.

    5. Nadalie Bardo

      May 2, 2021 at 7:21 am

      5 stars
      I just love lentil soup! I’ve never had it the Mexican way though, this looks like a fun twist I can try.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        May 3, 2021 at 11:05 am

        So glad to hear this. Super yummy!

        Reply
    6. Sydney Fry

      January 11, 2022 at 8:55 am

      5 stars
      I know what I’m having for dinner!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        January 15, 2022 at 9:01 am

        I hope you enjoyed it. I love this soup!

        Reply
    7. Anonymous

      February 23, 2022 at 1:57 pm

      5 stars
      This is a dish my mother only made during the Lenten Season, and it brings great memories. I also add some celery along with the carrots as my mom did.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        February 23, 2022 at 2:54 pm

        That’s wonderful. I love hearing food memories.

        Reply
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