Southwest Vegetarian Lentil Soup Recipes

SOUTHWESTERN CORN CHOWDER

Steps:

• In a medium/large Dutch oven or soup pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the corn, potatoes, onion, poblano, bell pepper, celery, ½ teaspoon of the salt, and ½ teaspoon chili powder. Stir to combine. Cook until the onions are tender and translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, while stirring constantly. Add the broth and water and stir to combine. Drop in the bay leaf.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. It's not done until the potatoes are fully cooked through and very easily pierced through with a fork.
• Remove the pot from the heat. Using kitchen tongs, remove the bay leaf. Carefully transfer about 3 cups of the soup (about half liquid, half solids) to a blender. Securely fasten the lid and be careful to avoid the hot steam as you blend until completely smooth. Add the butter and blend again.
• Pour the mixture back into the pot. Add the cilantro, crème fraîche (see note if using sour cream or Greek yogurt) and lime juice. Stir to combine. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and be generous with the black pepper, to taste. If you'd like more spice, add up to 1/2 teaspoon more chili powder, to taste.
• Divide the chowder into bowls and top with garnishes of your choice. Leftover chowder will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days or for several months frozen.

SOUTHWEST BARLEY & LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. Add kielbasa; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until browned. Remove from pot with a slotted spoon., Add carrots and onion to same pot; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and cumin; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in kielbasa and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 35-45 minutes or until lentils and barley are tender, stirring occasionally.

VEGAN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in a pot over medium-high. Add shallot, carrot, celery, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until vegetables have softened, 4 to 6 minutes.
• Stir in lentils, tomatoes, and 4 1/2 cups water. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until lentils are tender, 40 to 45 minutes.
• Stir in broccoli rabe (if soup is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup water); cook until tender, about 3 minutes more. Stir in red-wine vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and serve, with more pepper and a drizzle of oil.

SOUTHWESTERN VEGETARIAN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• In a large pot, heat oil, sauté onion, carrot, and jalapeno, until soft, about 10 minutes.
• Add garlic and spices and sauté 2 minutes.
• Stir in water or broth and scrape any spices that stuck to the pan.
• Stir in green chilies and lentils. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for about 40 minutes until lentils are tender.
• Uncover and stir in bouillon cubes, if using, and sugar.
• Stir in spinach, zucchini, corn and olives. Bring to a boil and cook until zucchini is tender about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat, stir in tomatoes, lime or lemon juice and salt to taste.
• Serve with desired toppings.

HEARTY VEGETABLE LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 1 tablespoon in pan. Add potatoes, carrots and onion; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until carrots and onion are tender. Add garlic and seasonings; cook 1 minute longer., Add lentils and stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 30-35 minutes or until lentils and potatoes are tender. Top each serving with bacon.