Mexican Lentil Soup Recipes

Steps:

• To toast cumin (or coriander) seeds, place the whole seeds in a dry small skillet over low heat. Stir and shake until the seeds release their aroma and darken slightly, just a minute or two. Transfer to a bowl if you won't be grinding them right away, they will continue to cook if left in pan. Grind in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
• Sort and rinse the lentils and put them in a soup pot with the water, bay leaf, sage, and oregano. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, and cook, uncovered, at a gentle boil for 15-20 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Remove the herbs.
• While the lentils are cooking, preheat the oven to 350*F. Rub the head of garlic with a little oil, place on a baking sheet, and roast for about 30 minutes, until soft. When the garlic has cooled, slice off the top of the head and squeeze the garlic out of its skin. Puree with the tomatoes in a blender or food processor and set aside.
• Heat the remaining oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion, 1/2 teaspoons salt, cumin, and dried oregano; saute over medium heat until the onion is soft, about 7-8 minutes. Add the carrot and peppers and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the ancho chili powder and the chipotle puree, the pureed tomatoes, and 1 teaspoons salt; simmer for 10 minutes.
• Combine the lentils and their broth with the vegetables, cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes. Add salt to taste. For more spice, add more ancho chili powder or chipotle puree to taste. Sprinkle in the fresh cilantro and oregano just before serving.
• Enjoy!

Steps:

• Soak the lentils overnight.
• Boil them in about a liter of water with the half onion and the whole garlic clove. If the pot starts to run dry, just add more water. Remove onion and garlic after they finish cooking.
• In a large pot, fry the bacon until slightly crispy.
• Add chopped onions, jalapenos and crushed garlic. Cook until soft.
• Add tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Add cooked lentils with their juices and stir.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Simmer in low heat for 15 minutes.
• Serve immediately topped with fresh cilantro.

Steps:

• Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Add olive oil and let heat for 1 minute. Add carrot, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno; saute for 2 minutes. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Hit Cancel.
• Add broth, picante sauce, lentils, taco seasoning, and cumin. Stir to combine. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 6 minutes. Allow 10 minutes for pressure to build.
• Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 10 minutes. Remove the lid and stir in cilantro and lime juice. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.