This Smoky Chipotle-Lentil Soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. The earthiness of lentils meets the rich, smoky heat of chipotle peppers, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for any day of the week.
The addition of a creamy avocado lime drizzle elevates the soup, adding a fresh and tangy contrast that balances the smokiness beautifully. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 avocado
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chipotle peppers, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- While the soup is cooling, prepare the avocado lime drizzle by blending the avocado with lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Serve the soup hot, drizzling the avocado sauce on top and garnishing with fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes
This soup is versatile; feel free to add any extra vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or bell peppers.
For a milder soup, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers used. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, consider sautéing some onions or garlic before adding in the lentils and broth.
This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes well for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen it up. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal!