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    Home » Recipes » Vegetarian

    Sopa de Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup) + VIDEO

    Published: Mar 2, 2021 · Updated: Dec 5, 2022 by Maggie Unzueta

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

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

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

    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.

    Table of Contents

    • 1 How to Make It
    • 2 Can I substitute green lentils for brown lentils?
    • 3 Do lentils need to be soaked?
    • 4 To this a complete one-pot meal, try adding:
    • 5 Variations:
    • 6 How Long Does It Last?
      • 6.1 Hungry for More?
    • 7 Mexican Lentil Soup, or Sopa de Lentejas
      • 7.1 Ingredients
      • 7.2 Instructions
      • 7.3 Video
      • 7.4 Notes
      • 7.5 Nutrition

    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.

    Hungry for More?

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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 minutes
    Cook Time: 38 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 43 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 326kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon oil
    • 2 carrots peeled and diced
    • ½ onion diced
    • 1 lb. lentils
    • 10 cups Water
    • 1 garlic clove finely minced
    • 1 tablespoon Salt
    • 1 bay leaf
    • ½ 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.

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    • The Halloween Taco Dip served in a baking dip.
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      Totopos (Tortilla Chips)

    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

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Nadalie Bardo

      May 02, 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 03, 2021 at 11:05 am

        So glad to hear this. Super yummy!

        Reply
    2. 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 03, 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.

    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. 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
    5. 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
        • ISABEL NAVA

          March 30, 2023 at 1:27 pm

          I love lentil soup but I also add a little cumin and a tiny pinch of oregano for a smoky taste. That gives it a Mexican flavor

        • Maggie Unzueta

          March 31, 2023 at 8:49 am

          Yes, very yummy. 🙂

    6. Rosey

      February 20, 2021 at 3:48 am

      Good tip on cooking the brown lentil beforehand so they keep their shape. And for the record, I always like soup better than chicken nuggets. 😉

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 10, 2021 at 8:52 am

        Glad it was useful!

        Reply
    7. MELANIE EDJOURIAN

      February 19, 2021 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      Lentils are great in soup. I’ve not had any Mexican ones yet. I must try this!!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 24, 2021 at 1:19 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this! Hope you try it

        Reply
    8. Monica Simpson

      February 19, 2021 at 11:18 am

      My mom’s been into lentils lately ever since she had heart surgery. I think she would really love this soup!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 24, 2021 at 1:20 pm

        I think so too! It’s delicious

        Reply
    9. Kathy

      February 19, 2021 at 10:08 am

      This looks really good. I haven’t actually had lentil soup before. I think I have lentil beans too, so I’ll have to try this.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 24, 2021 at 1:20 pm

        It’s delicious. Hope you try it

        Reply
    10. Janeane M Davis

      February 19, 2021 at 9:59 am

      This soup looks and sounds so delicious. I would like to try this soup.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 24, 2021 at 1:20 pm

        It’s amazing! Hope you try it

        Reply
    11. Briana Baker

      February 19, 2021 at 7:04 am

      5 stars
      YUM! I LOVE lentil soup! I have it for lunch most days! I’ll have to make this variation of it!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 24, 2021 at 1:22 pm

        Hope you try this recipe! It’s delicious

        Reply
    12. Beth

      February 18, 2021 at 8:04 pm

      5 stars
      We are always looking for delicious vegetarian recipes. This looks perfect!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 24, 2021 at 1:20 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    13. Heather

      February 18, 2021 at 4:35 pm

      I love soup and this one looks so good! I can’t wait to try it.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 24, 2021 at 1:21 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    14. Amber Myers

      February 18, 2021 at 1:50 pm

      I could use a bowl about this right about now. We’re getting snow so I could use the warm. It looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        March 10, 2021 at 8:53 am

        And it tastes amazing! Hope you try it

        Reply
    15. Anonymous

      November 16, 2020 at 6:52 pm

      That’s exactly the way a do it ! And at the end a throw same spinach leaves

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 24, 2020 at 2:35 pm

        Sound delicious the part of the spinach leaves!

        Reply
        • Nikki Wayne

          February 18, 2021 at 8:01 pm

          5 stars
          Sounds like a great dish. Lentils are so delicious, that’s one of my family’s favorite.

        • Maggie U

          February 24, 2021 at 1:21 pm

          Lentils are the best! Hope you try this recipe

    16. foysal@porsell

      November 14, 2019 at 3:49 am

      Thank you so much! The soup was delicious! I’m making it again tonight! I did add some ground red pepper for some spice and a bit of ground cinnamon.
      https://porsell.com

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 02, 2019 at 5:04 pm

        Wonderful! I love it when people make my recipes.

        Reply
    17. Patsy

      October 02, 2019 at 6:00 pm

      5 stars
      I love adding Kielbasa sausage to my Lentils. Family loves it!!

      Reply
    18. Cammy

      September 16, 2019 at 6:38 pm

      How much water do I need to add?

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        September 17, 2019 at 4:09 pm

        The water should be about 2 inches above the lentils.

        Reply
    19. Ashton

      November 20, 2018 at 8:17 pm

      I was wondering, is it really 1 lbs of lentils? It just seems like a lot but I have not made the recipe yet! Thought it might suppose to be 1 cup?

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 11, 2018 at 2:45 pm

        It’s a lentil package of 16-ounces, or 1 lb.

        Reply
        • Ashton

          December 11, 2018 at 8:35 pm

          Thank you so much! The soup was delicious! I’m making it again tonight! I did add some ground red pepper for some spice and a bit of ground cinnamon.

        • Maggie Unzueta

          December 18, 2018 at 10:42 am

          That’s awesome. Ground cinnamon sounds like a great addition. Enjoy!

    20. Fabiola Rodriguez

      October 26, 2017 at 10:56 am

      5 stars
      Hola, Maggie!
      I have included a couple of your recipes and linked back to your site in my latest post, a Day of the Dead recipe roundup. I hope you can take a look. 🙂

      https://myheartofmexico.wordpress.com/2017/10/26/blissful-mexican-recipes-to-celebrate-day-of-the-dead/

      -Fabiola

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        October 26, 2017 at 11:13 am

        Gracias amiga. I’ll go and check it out. Thank you so much for all your support and social media love!

        Reply
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