Delicious Lentil Soup Recipe with Chorizo and Rice
Fellow food lovers, I am eager to share with you my latest creation that is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. My Lentil Soup with Chorizo and Rice recipe is a mouthwatering Spanish-style dish that has quickly become a staple in my kitchen.
I have always had an affinity for lentils and Spanish chorizo sausage, which inspired me to create this hearty and delicious soup. The smoky paprika and cumin added in this recipe give the soup an authentic flavor profile that will transport you right to the streets of Spain.
This dish is perfect for those chilly days when you need something hot to keep yourself warm. It’s both filling and nutritious, thanks to the high protein content of lentils, making it a great meal option for vegetarians or anyone looking to cut down on their meat consumption too.
So without further ado, grab your utensils and let’s dive into this Lentil Soup with Chorizo & Rice recipe together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you searching for a hearty and satisfying meal that will keep you warm and cozy during the colder months? Look no further than my lentil soup with chorizo and rice recipe! Bursting with Spanish flavors, this delicious soup is a perfect combination of spicy chorizo sausage and earthy lentils. Here are some reasons why you’ll absolutely love this recipe:
First and foremost, my lentil soup with chorizo and rice is incredibly easy to make. You only need a handful of ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store, such as olive oil, garlic cloves, white rice, and of course, lentils and chorizo sausage. The cooking process is also quite simple and straightforward; even if you’re not an experienced home cook, you’ll be able to whip up this tasty soup without breaking a sweat.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily modify it to fit your taste preferences by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. For example, you can add some chopped carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture, or sprinkle in some chili flakes if you like your food a bit more spicy. Whatever changes you decide to make, I guarantee that this soup will still turn out perfectly every time.
Finally, my lentil soup with chorizo and rice is incredibly nutritious. Lentils are loaded with protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their diet with more plant-based proteins. Chorizo sausage adds a delicious smoky flavor while providing additional protein as well. By including these amazing ingredients in your diet regularly, you’ll feel fuller for longer periods while nourishing your body with essential nutrients.
In conclusion, my lentil soup with chorizo and rice recipe is the perfect comfort food for any family dinner or weekday lunchtime. It’s easy to make, versatile, nutritious, and most importantly – delicious! So next time you’re in the mood for something hearty that will satisfy your hunger cravings without leaving you feeling sluggish – give this recipe a try. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this flavorful lentil soup with chorizo and rice recipe:
Lentil Soup with Chorizo and Rice Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 cup Spanish lentils or Goya lentils
- 4 cups cold water
- 8 oz. Mexican chorizo sausage, casing removed or Spanish chorizo sausage **
- 1 medium bay leaf**
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or substitute chicken broth)**
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice or yellow rice**
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for serving
**Note: For a vegetarian version, substitute a vegan chorizo or omit the chorizo altogether.
Make sure to carefully read the ingredient list before heading to the store so you don’t forget anything.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Make the lentils
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup red Lentils
- 2 garlic clove, minced
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 4 cups cold water
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Instructions:
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Put 1 cup of lentils in a large bowl and pick over them to remove any bad ones.
- Rinse the lentils in a fine mesh strainer under cool running water.
- In a soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed lentils and 4 cups of cold water to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
Pro tip: If you like your soup thicker, cook the lentils longer until they start to break down.
Step 2: Cook the chorizo
- Ingredients:
- 8 oz Spanish-style chorizo sausage, casing removed
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
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Instructions:
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In a skillet on medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook the sliced chorizo sausage for about 5 minutes until crispy and brown.
Pro tip: For extra smokiness, use a hot smoked chorizo instead of fresh chorizo.
Step 3: Add remaining ingredients
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Ingredients:
- Cooked lentils
- Cooked chorizo
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
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Instructions:
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Once your lentils are cooked, transfer them into a soup pot or Dutch oven with a heavy bottom base.
- Add in your cooked chorizo, bay leaf, and salt and give everything a good stir.
- Turn on your stove on medium-low heat and then bring it almost up to a boil or when there are small bubbles throughout, keep it on this low heat throughout or it will reduce too much.
Pro tip: Try to find authentic Spanish chorizo sausage as it will give the soup an added depth of flavor.
Step 4: Cook rice
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Ingredients:
- White rice or brown rice (optional)
- Salt
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Instructions:
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Rinse your rice for several times in water in order to take off any extra starch that would cause it stick together.
- Then put your rice in a saucepan with
Substitutions and Variations
For this lentil soup with chorizo and rice recipe, there are a variety of substitutions and variations that can be made to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions.
Firstly, for those who prefer a vegetarian option, the chorizo can be swapped out for a meat alternative or omitted altogether. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a completely vegetarian dish.
If you don’t have white rice on hand or prefer a different texture, brown rice can be used instead. This will add a nuttier flavor and chewier texture to the dish.
For those who enjoy some heat in their meal, chili flakes or hot sauce can be added to the soup during cooking. This will give the dish an extra kick and bring out the flavors of the spices.
Another variation of this recipe is to add greens such as spinach or kale to increase the nutritional content of the dish. The greens can either be added directly to the soup during cooking or served alongside as a garnish.
If you want to experiment with different types of lentils, try swapping out red lentils for goya lentils which have a sturdier texture and hold their shape well when cooked.
Finally, if you enjoy experimenting with flavors from around the world, consider trying Spanish style chorizo in place of Mexican chorizo. Spanish chorizo has a smokier flavor and firmer texture compared to its Mexican counterpart which is softer and spicier.
With all these substitutions and variations, this lentil soup with chorizo and rice recipe provides endless possibilities for customizing delicious meals according to your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
This Lentil Soup with Chorizo and Rice recipe is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it can also be served as a side dish or starter. I suggest serving it with a fresh salad, crusty bread, and a glass of red wine to round out the meal.
For an extra kick of flavor, you can add some chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream to the top of the soup before serving. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes to spice things up.
As for pairings, this lentil soup goes well with bold and robust flavors. It pairs perfectly with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even some bacon-wrapped dates for an appetizer. For a vegetarian option, try pairing it with roasted root vegetables or a quinoa salad.
One of my favorite pairings is with yellow rice, which adds another layer of texture and flavor to the dish. You can make your own yellow rice by adding some turmeric and cumin to the water when cooking your white rice.
No matter how you choose to serve this lentil soup, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and get creative with the presentation and side dishes – you won’t regret it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Nothing is better than preparing a delicious lentil soup with chorizo and rice recipe in advance so that you can enjoy it whenever you want. Lentil soup is one of those dishes that taste even better when it’s been sitting in the fridge for a day or two. The flavors merge together, creating a rich and satisfying broth that will warm up any cold day.
When it comes to making this lentil soup ahead of time, simply store it in airtight containers or gallon-sized zip-lock bags. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months. However, if you plan to freeze your lentil soup, leave out the rice until you’re ready to reheat and serve it; otherwise, the texture of the rice will become mushy.
To reheat your lentil soup, place it into a medium-sized pot over medium heat, add 1/4 cup of water, and stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave single portions on high power for 1-2 minutes. If your soup appears too thick after being refrigerated or frozen, simply thin it out with a few more cups of broth or water during reheating.
Storing and reheating your lentil soup chorizo rice recipe couldn’t be easier. It makes an ideal lunch or dinner on busy days when you don’t have much time to cook but still want something filling and healthy. Once prepared, this dish will keep you satisfied for hours!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the perfect lentil soup with chorizo and rice, there are a few tips you should follow. First, use high-quality ingredients. Spanish chorizo sausage is ideal for this recipe, but if it’s not available, Mexican chorizo or another spicy sausage can be used instead.
When cooking the lentils, start by soaking them overnight in cold water along with some salt. This helps tenderize them and reduce cooking time. Additionally, try to use young lentils, as they tend to cook more evenly and retain their shape better.
When it comes to the rice, use a high-quality white or brown variety of your choice. I recommend cooking it separately from the lentil soup and adding it in at the end, which will help ensure that the rice doesn’t become overcooked.
Another tip is to use a heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven to cook the soup in. This type of pot will distribute heat more evenly, resulting in less burning or sticking on the bottom of the pot.
To enhance the flavor of the soup, don’t skimp on spices such as paprika and cumin. Adding a bay leaf while simmering can also add depth of flavor.
Finally, if you want to make this recipe ahead of time and store it for later, be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. To reheat it properly, warm it on a low heat setting on the stove or microwave slowly without boiling.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious and authentic lentil soup with chorizo and rice!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this lentil soup with chorizo and rice is the perfect meal for any day of the week. It’s hearty, filling, and loaded with flavor. With simple ingredients like olive oil, chorizo sausage, lentils, and white rice, you can quickly make a delicious homemade dinner that will impress your family and friends.
Moreover, as seen in this recipe article, lentil soup with chorizo and rice is easy to make. The step-by-step instructions make it simple for even novice chefs to create a tasty meal. The substitutions and variations section ensures that you can adjust the recipe to your liking.
Lastly, learning how to make this soup will not only complement your recipes collection but also provide you with vast knowledge of Spanish culinary culture. Don’t forget to serve it with a side of Spanish rice or some crusty bread.
So, head into the kitchen, grab your pot, and get cooking! This recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
Lentil Soup With Chorizo & Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb lentils
- 1 cup white rice, cooked
- 1 medium white onion
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 2 chorizo sausage, chopped
- olive oil
- cumin
- paprika
- salt & pepper
- 4 slices bacon
- chicken stock (optional)
Instructions
- Boil lentils in 4 cups of water (or chicken stock), add bacon, salt & pepper to taste.
- and cook until tender. About 20 minutes depending on the age of lentils.
- Once the lentils are tender toss the bacon and put lentils aside. Do not drain.
- In a separate pot heat the olive oil and brown the onions until they are clear.
- Add chopped chorizo and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add cumin & paprika and mix in well.
- Add cooked rice and mix in well.
- Mix in the lentils & rice mix and cook for another 10 minutes stirring often.
- Serve in bowl with the garnish of choice.