This Cuban lentil soup is a staple in Cuban cuisine. This delicious soup is my favorite comfort meals. These lentejas Cubanas have such amazing depth of flavor; this dish is hearty, filling and nutritious.

Why you'll love this potaje de lentejas

This soup is perfect for keeping warm during winter months.
This Instant pot recipe is great for meal prep.
This cuban recipe is gluten free and a great source of fiber and protein.
Comfort Foods like this lentil soup can be frozen for future consumption.

What to serve with this great recipe

This soup is often served with a bowl of Cuban white rice.

Ingredients for this traditional cuban lentil soup

Dry lentils
Extra virgin olive oil
Yellow onion
Red bell pepper
Garlic cloves
Dried oregano
Ground cumin
Smoked sweet Paprika
Salt

Black pepper
Tomato Paste
Chicken Bouillon
Smoked pork loin
Spanish chorizo links
Water
Bay leaves
Carrots peeled
Red potatoes

Instructions for this cuban lentil soup recipe

Set your instant pot to saute and add the olive oil, chopped onions and chopped bell pepper. Saute until the onions are translucent and then add in the minced garlic.

Add to the Instant Pot the brown lentils, chorizo slices, smoked pork loin, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, chicken boullian and tomato paste. Close and secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set to Stew with low pressure for 45 minutes

Release the steam from the Instant pot and openthe lid carefully. Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot and allow to simmer for 20 minutes until the carrots and potatoes are fork tender.

Before serving, remove bay leaf and garnish with minced parsley.

Variations and substitutions of this flavorful soup

Don't consume pork products? Opt instead for chicken sausage and spoked turkey neck or smoked turkey leg.

Don't have red bell peppers? Opt instead for green bell pepper

Can't find smoked pork loin? I love using smoked pork belly as an alternative. You can also use ham hock, smoked cooking ham, or ham shank meat.

Don't want to use water for your lentil stew? Use chicken stock or chicken broth instead.

Make this a vegan lentil soup by omitting the chorizo sausage, chicken bouillon and smoked pork loin. Use instead vegetable stock.

Don't own an Instant Pot? This soup can also be made in a pressure cooker.

Don't have brown lentils? Opt for green lentils or red lentils instead.

Don't have red potatoes? You can use Russet potatoes or Idaho potatoes.

Storage for this lentil recipe

Place the leftover hearty lentil soup in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for upto 4 days.

You can freeze the your leftover potaje de lentejas in a freezer bag or airtight container for upto 3 months. To defrost, place in the refrigerator over night.