Are you ready to transform your ordinary weeknight meal into a flavor explosion? Imagine a soup so hearty, so deliciously Mexican-inspired, that it'll have your family begging for seconds! This Red Lentil Taco Soup is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that combines the protein-packed goodness of lentils with the bold, zesty flavors of traditional taco seasoning. Perfect for vegetarians, health-conscious foodies, and anyone craving a quick, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying dinner that can be prepared in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of red lentils, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 chopped bell pepper, and salt to taste.
- Rinse the red lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This helps remove any debris and reduces cooking time.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the chopped bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it softens slightly.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the vegetables and stir well to combine, allowing the spices to toast for about 1 minute.
- Add the rinsed red lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to check the consistency. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add a bit more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the lentils are cooked, taste the soup and add salt as needed. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add more taco seasoning at this point.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Red Lentil Taco Soup!
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always thoroughly rinse red lentils to remove any debris and reduce cooking time. This step ensures a cleaner, more consistent texture.
- Spice Control: Adjust the taco seasoning to your heat preference. Start with the recommended amount and taste as you go – you can always add more!
- Consistency Matters: Keep an eye on the liquid while simmering. If the soup gets too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth to maintain a soupy consistency.
- Flavor Boosting: For extra depth, consider toasting your spices before adding liquid. This releases their essential oils and intensifies the flavor.
- Toppings Are Key: Experiment with garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, a squeeze of lime, or crispy tortilla chips to add texture and freshness.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
