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Decadent Lentil Tortilla Soup

A hearty, creamy, and flavorful plant-based lentil tortilla soup made easily in a slow cooker, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish, Soup
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Vegan, Vegetarian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large white onion roughly chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 red bell pepper diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup red lentils rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels drained
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes thick, gooey base
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper or to taste
For Serving/Garnish
  • 1 large avocado diced
  • 0.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Mexican blend, for gooey melt
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1-2 fresh jalapeños thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • 1 handful tortilla chips for serving

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Large skillet (optional)
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Optional: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté chopped onion and bell pepper for 5-7 minutes until softened. (Can skip and add raw to slow cooker).
  2. Combine ingredients: Transfer sautéed (or raw) veggies to slow cooker. Add rinsed lentils, black beans, kidney beans, corn, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until lentils are tender and soup has thickened to a heavy viscous consistency.
  4. Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, spices) as needed. If too thick, add more broth.
  5. Serve: Ladle thick, gooey soup into bowls. Garnish generously with diced avocado, shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for gooey melt), cilantro, sliced jalapeños (if using), a squeeze of lime juice, and tortilla chips.
  6. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, ensure all broth and cheese are vegetarian-friendly. The soup thickens as it cools.