Cuban Lentil Soup

This Cuban lentil soup is one of those comforting recipes I make regularly, especially once soup season rolls around. It was originally my dad’s recipe, which makes it extra special to me, and over the years it has become a soup-season staple in my house. Made in the Instant Pot, this hearty lentil soup is packed with comforting Cuban flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare for a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s warm, satisfying, and the kind of meal I look forward to making again and again when the weather starts to cool down.ty, filling and nutritious.

My dad’s Cuban lentil soup recipe is a dish that I grew up enjoying when the weather cooled down. My dad was a chef in Cuba and his Cuban lentejas recipe was one he perfected over decades. Once the recipe was passed down to me, I adapted the recipe for the modern kitchen using an Instant Pot. This recipe is the most flavorful lentil soup recipe and it’s cooked in a fraction of the time.

Why you'll Love Lentejas Soup

• 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 are Lentejas?

Lentejas is the Spanish word for lentils, but it's commonly used to refer to a hearty lentil stew or soup. This dish is a staple in many Latin American and Spanish cuisines, particularly during colder months.

Sopa de Lentejas Recipe Key Ingredients

For the full list of ingredients, scroll down to the recipe card.

• Lentils: The star of this Cuban lentil soup, lentils become perfectly tender while creating a hearty and satisfying base.
• Chorizo: Adds a rich, savory flavor and a touch of smokiness that infuses the soup as it cooks.
• Potatoes: Make the soup extra hearty and comforting while soaking up all the flavorful broth.
• Sofrito: A combination of onion, bell pepper, and garlic creates an aromatic flavor base and adds classic Cuban flavor to the soup.
• Smoked pork loin: Adds a delicious smoky, savory flavor that complements the lentils and chorizo and gives the soup even more depth.

How to Make Lentejas Soup

1. 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. 
2. 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 40 minutes

3. 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. 

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

Sopa de Lentejas Recipe Variations

• 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.

Tips for making Lentejas Cubanas

Lentejas Cubanas, or Cuban lentil stew, is a hearty and flavorful dish. Here are some tips to elevate your lentil game:

• Smoky Flavor: Adding smoked sausage or ham hock imparts a rich, smoky flavor to the stew.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili powder or cayenne pepper.
• Thick or Thin: For a thicker stew, reduce the liquid by simmering longer. For a soupier consistency, add more broth.
• Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, substitute the ham or sausage with additional vegetables like green beans or corn.

By following these tips, you can create a delicious and authentic Lentejas Cubanas that will impress your family and friends.

How to serve Lenteja Soup

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

Storing Lentejas Soup

Allow your Cuban lentil soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The lentils will continue to absorb some of the broth as the soup sits, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, warm the lentil soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot throughout. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.

More recipes to try

Check out these other Cuban recipes