The Heartiest Lentil Chorizo Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Hearty and robust, this lentil chorizo soup brings together rich, smoky flavors that dance on your palate.

Spicy Spanish chorizo blends seamlessly with earthy lentils, creating a warming dish perfect for chilly evenings.

The sausage infuses deep, complex notes into every spoonful, turning a simple soup into a culinary adventure.

Tender lentils absorb the chorizo intense seasonings, resulting in a meal that satisfies from the first bite.

Mediterranean ingredients mingle with rustic cooking techniques, promising a bowl brimming with comfort and excitement.

Each serving delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds sing.

Prepare to savor a soup that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Lentil Chorizo Soup What Gives It a Hearty Kick

• Chorizo brings intense, smoky spiciness that transforms ordinary lentil soup into a restaurant-worthy meal in minimal steps.
• One-pot technique means less cleanup, faster cooking, and satisfying protein-packed dinner ready without complex preparation.
• Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients like different vegetables or using vegetarian chorizo, making it perfect for varied dietary preferences and pantry contents.
• Packed with protein-rich lentils, vegetables, and savory chorizo, this soup delivers balanced nutrition that keeps you full and energized through the evening.

Ingredients for Flavorful Lentil Chorizo Soup

• Chorizo: A spicy Spanish sausage that adds rich, smoky flavor to the soup.
• Lentils: Hearty legumes that provide protein and create a satisfying texture.

• Onion, Carrot, Celery, Pepper: Classic soup vegetables that build a flavorful base and add nutritional depth.
• Potato: Starchy vegetable that helps thicken the soup and provides additional heartiness.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato product that adds depth and richness to the soup.

• Paprika: Warm spice that contributes a subtle smoky flavor and rich color.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements the other ingredients with its delicate flavor.
• Bay Leaves: Aromatic leaves that infuse the soup with a subtle herbal note.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used as a bright, finishing garnish.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's flavors.

• Stock: Provides the liquid base and adds additional depth of flavor to the soup.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth, rich base to the cooking process.

Tools for Making Chorizo Soup Easy

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking chorizo, vegetables, and simmering soup.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables, garlic, and parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate stock and ingredient measurements.
• Ladle: Great for serving the hot soup into bowls.

Steps for Savory Lentil Chorizo Soup

Step 1: Brown Sizzling Chorizo

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chorizo and cook until it turns crispy and develops a deep golden color.

Transfer the cooked chorizo to a plate and set aside for later.

Step 2: Soften Vegetable Medley

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery
• Bell peppers

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

• Minced garlic
• Smoked paprika
• Fresh thyme

Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to deepen the flavor profile.

Step 4: Create Hearty Soup Base

• Lentils
• Diced potatoes
• Chicken or vegetable stock
• Bay leaves
• Cooked chorizo

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.

Cook until lentils become tender and potatoes are soft, approximately 30 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Stir in fresh chopped parsley.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve alongside crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Tips for Rich, Spicy Lentil Soup

• Render fat by cooking chorizo slowly to develop deep, rich flavor and achieve a crispy texture that adds crunch to the soup.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Toast paprika and thyme briefly to release their essential oils, intensifying the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Use fresh lentils and avoid overcooking to maintain their shape and prevent a mushy consistency in the soup.
• Choose a crusty, rustic bread to soak up the flavorful broth and add a delightful textural contrast to each spoonful.

Variations for Lentil and Chorizo Soup Fans

• Vegetarian Lentil Soup: Replace chorizo with plant-based chorizo or smoked tofu for a meat-free version. Add extra spices like smoked paprika to maintain depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure stock is gluten-free and serve with gluten-free bread or skip bread entirely. Use cornstarch as a thickener if needed.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and cumin to boost heat. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium stock, omit added salt, and enhance flavor with herbs like rosemary and extra garlic. Roast vegetables first to develop richer taste without salt.

Serving Suggestions for Chorizo Lentil Soup

• Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this hearty soup with thick slices of rustic sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up rich flavors.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle crispy chorizo bits, fresh chopped parsley, and a dollop of tangy sour cream on top for extra texture and zest.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the soup's robust profile with a medium-bodied red wine like Tempranillo or a Spanish Rioja to enhance the chorizo's smoky notes.
• Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a light, crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance the soup's deep, warming qualities.

Storage for Lentil Chorizo Soup Leftovers

• Store leftover soup in airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of water or broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until thoroughly warmed and bubbling.

FAQs

• Are lentils nutritious?

Yes, lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and folate. They’re a healthy, low-cost ingredient that adds great nutrition to this hearty soup.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chorizo with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like mushrooms for a similar depth of flavor. Use vegetable stock instead of meat-based stock.

• What type of lentils work best?

Brown or green lentils are perfect for this recipe. They hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice texture to the soup. Red or yellow lentils might become too mushy.

Lentil Chorizo Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty lentil chorizo soup brings Spanish flavors to your kitchen with rich, smoky notes. Spicy chorizo and tender lentils create a comforting meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1/2 lb (225g) chorizo sausage, sliced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 2–3 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 lb (225g) potatoes, peeled and cubed

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 10.5 oz (300g) green lentils
• 2 bay leaves
• Handful fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sizzle chorizo in heated olive oil over medium temperature for 3-4 minutes until edges crisp and golden. Transfer to a separate plate, reserving rendered fat.
2. Utilize the same pot to sauté onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers for 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically until vegetables soften and release aromatic flavors.
3. Introduce minced garlic, paprika, and thyme into the vegetable mixture, allowing spices to bloom for 60 seconds. Incorporate tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to intensify depth of flavor.
4. Create a hearty base by adding lentils, diced potatoes, rich stock, bay leaves, and previously cooked chorizo. Elevate heat to achieve a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 30 minutes until lentils become tender and potatoes soften.
5. Finalize the soup by folding in fresh chopped parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into warm bowls and serve alongside crusty, rustic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Swap Chorizo for Veggie Options: Replace chorizo with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu to create a vegetarian version that maintains rich, smoky flavor profiles.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust paprika and chorizo amounts to customize heat intensity, perfect for sensitive palates or spice lovers.
• Texture Tricks: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Storage Solutions: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 30mg