Mexican Lentil Soup with Bacon

Top this Mexican soup with banana slices for an authentic dish combining lentils and a crispy saute of bacon, onion, tomatoes, and cilantro.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 387 Calories

Ingredients

• salt to taste
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups water, or as needed
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 pound lentils
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• ½ (12 ounce) package bacon, chopped
• 3 firm bananas, sliced (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place lentils in a soup pot and cover with 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until lentils are soft, 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt during the last few minutes of cooking.

Step 2

Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Add onion; saute until transparent, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and cilantro; cook until tomatoes change color, about 5 minutes. Pour mixture over cooked lentils. Bring to a boil and cook until flavors blend, 3 to 5 minutes more. Serve with banana slices.