Nicaraguan Style Lentil Soup for Good Luck | Sopa de Lentejas

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon cubes

Homemade broth is lower in sodium and more flavorful.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier.

cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: green onions

Parsley offers a similar freshness at a lower cost.

bay leaves

💰Cheaper: dried thyme

Thyme can provide a different but pleasant flavor.

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.

Add carrots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.

Add garlic, onion, green pepper, and celery; sauté until softened and aromatic.

Season with oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Add 2 bay leaves for flavor.

Add pre-cooked deli ham cubes for heartiness.

Stir in dried lentils and mix to toast them slightly.

Add tomato sauce and low sodium chicken broth; bring to a boil.

Add half a chicken bouillon cube for extra flavor.

Allow the soup to boil for about 15 minutes.

Reduce heat and cover to simmer for 15 more minutes until lentils are tender.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary