Cuban Lentil Soup Recipe

Introduction

Cuban Lentil Soup is a flavorful, hearty, and nutritious dish that blends the rich flavors of Cuban cuisine with the wholesome goodness of lentils. This comforting soup is a perfect balance of tender lentils, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, all simmered in a savory broth. With its combination of ingredients such as garlic, onions, bell peppers, and cilantro, Cuban Lentil Soup is a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering.

Known for its bold flavors, Cuban cuisine often incorporates a mix of sweet, sour, and savory elements, and this lentil soup is no exception. The addition of ingredients like tomatoes, cumin, and a touch of vinegar provides a depth of flavor that makes the soup truly memorable. Cuban Lentil Soup is also highly versatile, and it can be made with a variety of meats, such as smoked ham or sausage, or even as a vegetarian dish.

This soup is not only delicious but also healthy and filling. Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making this dish a great option for anyone looking for a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, meal prep for the week, or a flavorful soup to serve at a party, Cuban Lentil Soup is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Cuban Lentil Soup

• Bold, Flavorful Taste: The soup’s base of cumin, garlic, onions, and bell peppers gives it a rich and aromatic flavor profile that is distinctively Cuban. The touch of vinegar adds just the right amount of tang to balance out the richness of the lentils and broth.
• Comforting and Hearty: With the lentils as the star of the dish, this soup is filling and satisfying. The soft, tender lentils soak up all the flavors of the broth, making every spoonful a hearty bite.
• Nutritious and Healthy: Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. This soup is a nutritious, wholesome meal that will fuel your body while delighting your taste buds.
• Versatile: Whether you prefer a vegetarian version or like to add meat for extra flavor, Cuban Lentil Soup can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. You can add smoked ham, sausage, or even bacon to create a more substantial meal.
• Easy to Make: Despite its rich flavor, Cuban Lentil Soup comes together fairly quickly with minimal prep work. It’s a simple one-pot meal that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 7-9g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 14-16g
• Fiber: 12-14g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Cuban Lentil Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 ½ cups dried lentils, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup smoked ham, diced (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
• Optional: 1 carrot, diced
• Optional: 1 zucchini, diced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper starts to soften.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant. The sautéed vegetables form the aromatic base for the soup, so be sure to cook them thoroughly to bring out their flavors.

2. Add the Tomatoes and Spices

Once the garlic has cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. The tomatoes will break down slightly as they cook, creating a flavorful base for the soup. Stir the mixture well and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes have softened and the spices have become fragrant.

The cumin and smoked paprika give the soup a deep, earthy flavor with a subtle smokiness, while the oregano adds a touch of herbaceousness.

3. Add the Lentils and Broth

After the tomatoes and spices have cooked, add the rinsed and drained lentils to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Stir everything together to combine, ensuring that the lentils are evenly distributed in the broth.

Add the bay leaf to the pot and bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for about 35-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.

Lentils cook relatively quickly, so you don’t need to worry about a long cooking time. You’ll know the soup is ready when the lentils are soft and have absorbed all the flavors from the broth and spices.

4. Season and Add Vinegar

Once the lentils are cooked, taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. The seasoning should balance the flavors of the vegetables, broth, and spices.

Next, stir in the white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar). The vinegar adds a slight tang to the soup, which helps balance the richness of the lentils and the savory broth. You can adjust the amount of vinegar based on your preference, but a tablespoon is usually the perfect amount to bring out the flavors without making the soup too acidic.

If you like a bit of heat, you can also add red pepper flakes at this stage to give the soup a spicy kick. This is optional, but it adds a wonderful layer of flavor if you enjoy spicy food.

5. Add the Smoked Ham (Optional)

If you’re adding smoked ham to your soup, this is the time to do so. Stir in the diced ham and allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes. The ham adds a salty, smoky richness to the soup that complements the lentils beautifully. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can skip this step and enjoy the soup as is.

For additional flavor, you can also add a diced carrot and zucchini to the soup along with the ham. These vegetables will add extra texture and nutrients, making the soup even more hearty and satisfying.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is fully cooked and well-seasoned, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. You can also serve the soup with a wedge of lime on the side for an extra hit of citrusy brightness.

Cuban Lentil Soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Cuban Lentil Soup

• Rinse the Lentils: Be sure to rinse your lentils before cooking them to remove any debris or dust. This step ensures that your soup is clean and free of any unwanted particles.
• Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you like more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño. You can also experiment with other spices, such as ground coriander or turmeric, to give the soup a different flavor profile.
• Use Quality Broth: The broth is one of the key components of the soup, so be sure to use a good-quality vegetable or chicken broth. Homemade broth will yield the best results, but store-bought versions work well too.
• Let the Soup Rest: Like many soups, Cuban Lentil Soup often tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld together. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for a day or two to enjoy the soup’s rich, developed flavors.
• Make it Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large pot and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It also freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply reheat when ready to serve.

Variations of Cuban Lentil Soup

• Vegetarian Cuban Lentil Soup: To make a fully vegetarian version of this soup, simply skip the smoked ham or any meat, and add extra vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, or zucchini, for more texture and flavor.
• Cuban Lentil Soup with Sausage: If you like a more meaty soup, try adding sliced sausage, such as chorizo or Italian sausage, to the pot. The sausage will add a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the lentils.
• Cuban Lentil Soup with Bacon: For an extra smoky flavor, you can use bacon instead of smoked ham. Cook the bacon in the pot before sautéing the vegetables and then crumble it into the soup for added texture and flavor.
• Spicy Cuban Lentil Soup: If you enjoy spicy food, add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes to the soup. You can also use a spicier variety of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for an added kick.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cuban Lentil Soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. After cooking, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water if it thickens too much.

To freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cuban Lentil Soup

While Cuban Lentil Soup is hearty enough to stand alone, here are some side dishes that pair wonderfully with this dish:

• Crusty Bread: A thick slice of crusty baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the flavorful broth.
• Cuban-Style Rice: Serve the soup alongside a bowl of fluffy white rice for a more filling meal. You can also add a side of fried plantains for a true Cuban-inspired experience.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the soup. You can add avocado, cucumber, and tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to Cuban Lentil Soup. Serve it with a dollop of butter for an extra treat.

Print

Conclusion

Cuban Lentil Soup is a delicious, hearty, and nutritious meal that is full of flavor and easy to make. With its aromatic spices, tender lentils, and savory broth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you make it with smoked ham, sausage, or as a vegetarian version, it’s a versatile and satisfying dish that will warm you up on a cold day or provide a comforting meal anytime. Enjoy the bold flavors of Cuban cuisine with this easy-to-make, wholesome soup!