Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup

This Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup is a delicious and hearty choice for any occasion. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. Packed with red lentils, black beans, and vibrant spices, this one-pot wonder brings warmth and flavor to your table without any fuss. The combination of ingredients creates a comforting bowl of goodness that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
• Flavorful and Hearty: With a blend of spices and fresh vegetables, each spoonful bursts with flavor.
• Versatile: Customize the toppings to make it your own—avocado, cilantro, or tortilla strips all add a unique touch.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from lentils and black beans, this soup is both filling and healthy.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required! Cook everything in one pot for convenience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will help you create this Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly without burning.
• Blender: Perfect for achieving that creamy texture by blending part of the soup until smooth.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for perfect flavor balance.

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Ingredients

This one pot vegan tortilla soup is made with red lentils, black beans, fire roasted tomatoes, corn and lots of fresh spices! It’s incredibly easy to make and the perfect hearty soup for a chilly day.

Produce

• 1 yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 jalapeno (seeds removed for less spice)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 avocado
• 1 lime
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Canned Goods

• 2 15 ounce cans fire roasted crushed tomatoes (see notes)
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)

Dry Goods

• 3/4 cup red lentils

Condiments

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Broth & Spices

• 3 – 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon brown or coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt (use less if broth was not low sodium)
• 1 teaspoon oregano

Dairy Alternatives

• 1/3 cup cashew cream (click for recipe)

Extras

• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup tortilla strips

How to Make Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the finely diced onion and olive oil. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Peppers

Add in minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced jalapeno. If you prefer less spice, remove the seeds from the jalapeno or use less. Sauté for about 3 additional minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients except lime juice into the pot. For thickness preference, I used 3 cups of vegetable broth; adjust as needed.

Step 5: Bring to a Boil

Stir well to combine everything thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 20-25 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Check Lentils’ Doneness

After about 20 minutes, taste to check if the lentils are fully cooked. If they still have crunchiness, let them simmer an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 7: Blend Partially

Once lentils are done cooking, transfer about 2 cups of soup to a blender. Blend until smooth then return it back to the pot.

Step 8: Final Touches

Stir in lime juice. Taste again to adjust flavors as needed; add more broth if you like it thinner.

Step 9: Serve with Toppings

Serve hot garnished with tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, avocado slices, and cashew cream if desired. Enjoy your warm bowl of Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup!

How to Serve Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup

Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance the experience. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious soup.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Tortilla Strips: Add crispy homemade or store-bought tortilla strips for a delightful crunch.
• Avocado Slices: Top each bowl with creamy avocado slices for richness and healthy fats.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness and flavor, making every bite refreshing.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus when squeezed over the soup.

Pair with Bread or Wraps

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread complements the soup perfectly, adding texture and heartiness.
• Corn Tortillas: Warm corn tortillas can be served alongside for dipping or wrapping around the flavorful soup.

Create a Complete Meal

• Salad: A light side salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the soup over cooked rice or quinoa for added protein and fiber.

How to Perfect Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup

Creating the perfect Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your soup-making game:

• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices bring out more flavor than old ones. Always check the freshness of your chili powder and cumin.
• Adjust Thickness: Depending on your preference, adjust the amount of vegetable broth for a thicker or thinner consistency.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your soup while it simmers; adjust salt, lime juice, or spices as needed for balanced flavors.
• Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup gives it a creamy texture without added dairy, enhancing overall richness.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup

To round out your meal, consider serving these delightful side dishes alongside your Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup. Each option adds something special to your dining experience.

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice and spices; perfect for dipping tortilla chips.
2. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of seasonal veggies add a smoky flavor that pairs well with the soup.
3. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomato sauce and spices complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
4. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing brings extra nutrition and texture.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa, beans, and spices make a filling companion dish.
6. Simple Green Salad: Mixed greens topped with a light dressing provide freshness that cuts through the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are key points to keep in mind.

• Boldly skip sautéing: Skipping the sautéing step can lead to bland flavors. Always sauté your onions and garlic to enhance the taste.
• Boldly ignore broth quality: Using low-quality or high-sodium broth can overpower the soup. Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth for a better flavor balance.
• Boldly overlook lentil doneness: Not cooking lentils properly can result in a crunchy texture. Always check for tenderness before serving and simmer longer if needed.
• Boldly forget lime juice: Adding lime juice too early can diminish its bright flavor. Incorporate it at the end for maximum freshness.
• Boldly skimp on toppings: Missing out on garnishes like avocado and cilantro can make the dish less exciting. Use them generously for added creaminess and fresh taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup?

Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup is a hearty, one-pot meal made with red lentils, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and spices, perfect for chilly days.

How long does it take to make Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup?

The total time to prepare this vegan soup is about 30 minutes, including 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.

Can I add more vegetables to my Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your soup by adding veggies like zucchini, spinach, or carrots based on your preference.

How do I store leftovers of Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

What toppings go well with Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup?

Popular toppings include avocado, tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or spices based on your taste. This hearty recipe is perfect for any occasion—give it a try today!