Description
This **Lentil Tortilla Soup** is the ultimate hearty vegetarian comfort food. Made with protein-packed lentils, zesty Mexican-inspired spices, black beans, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes, this soup is wholesome, budget-friendly, and easy to make. Top it with crunchy tortilla strips, avocado, lime, and cheese for a customizable and satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Optional toppings: avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges, cilantro, jalapeños
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until fragrant and tender.
- Add main ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, corn, lentils, and vegetable broth. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until lentils are tender and soup thickens slightly.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- Use brown or green lentils — they hold their shape better than red lentils.
- For slow cooker: Combine all ingredients (except toppings) and cook on LOW 6–8 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.
- For extra creaminess, blend half the soup and stir back in before serving.
- This soup is freezer-friendly up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth.
- Add jalapeños or chipotle for spice, or quinoa/chickpeas for added protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Vegetarian, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Lentil Tortilla Soup, Vegetarian Soup, Lentil Recipes, Comfort Food, Mexican Lentil Soup