Sopa de Lentejas de Mamá (Mom's Lentil Soup)

• •1 cup Lentejas (dry, rinsed and soaked overnight in water)
• •2 medium Tomates rojos (ripe)
• •1 piece Diente de ajo
• •1 medium Cebolla (for blending)
• •1 cup Cilantro fresco (chopped, or to taste)
• •1 small piece Cebolla (finely chopped, for sautéing)
• •1 tbsp Aceite vegetal
• •1 cube Caldo de pollo (or 1 tsp bouillon powder)
• •to taste Sal
• •6 cup Agua (plus more for boiling tomatoes and cooking lentils)

Instructions

1. 1

   Drain the lentils that have been soaked overnight. Discard the soaking water and rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water.

2. 2

   In a small pot, bring enough water to a boil to cover the two red tomatoes. Add the tomatoes and boil for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skins begin to crack. Remove from water and let cool slightly, then peel the skins and discard.

3. 3

   In a blender, combine the peeled tomatoes, the 1/4 medium onion, the garlic clove, and the chopped fresh cilantro. Add 1/4 cup of water to help blend. Process until completely smooth.

4. 4

   In a medium pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the small piece of finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.

5. 5

   Carefully pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot with the sautéed onion. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.

6. 6

   While the tomato mixture simmers, place the rinsed lentils in a separate pot with 6 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.

7. 7

   Once the lentils are cooked, carefully pour them (along with their cooking liquid) into the pot with the simmering tomato mixture. Stir well to combine.

8. 8

   Add the chicken bouillon cube and salt to taste. Stir until the bouillon cube is dissolved. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5-10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to fully combine and deepen. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

9. 9

   Remove from heat and serve hot in individual bowls. Enjoy your delicious homemade lentil soup!

Chef's Tips

• 💡For extra flavor, you can add a bay leaf to the lentils while they cook and remove it before serving.
• 💡If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a small portion of the cooked lentils against the side of the pot before combining with the sofrito.
• 💡Serve with warm corn tortillas for dipping, or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for an added touch.