Lentejas is the Spanish word for lentils. However, when you see the word lentejas, it is most likely that it is in reference to a type of stew or soup made using lentils.
Lentejas is a traditional Spanish dish made using lentils and a variety of other ingredients.
This soup or stew-like dish is served alone or with rice.
However, it is also common to find lentejas used simply to describe lentils, and as such, not all lentejas recipes are strictly for the soup or stew dish.
In this article, I am going to be providing you with a list of my favorite lentejas recipes, some of which are for lentejas soup or stew, and then others that simply use lentejas (lentils) as an ingredient.
1. Lentil stew (lentejas)
This delicious, traditional Spanish recipe uses lentejas (lentils) alongside some flavors that are synonymous with Spanish cuisines such as paprika, red wine, and cloves.
It uses chorizo and serrano ham for flavor and texture, making this a delicious dish for meat lovers. However, this recipe also gives you an alternative step if you are cooking for a vegetarian crowd.
2. Ecuadorian lentil stew {Menestra de lentejas}
This delicious dish from Ecuador is sure to go down a treat if you enjoy rich, flavorful food. It is packed full of herbs and spices such as cumin, garlic, and achiote which is the same spice used to give chorizo its very distinct color.
This filling stew is the perfect lunchtime meal or warming winter dish. The recipe suggests serving it with thin steaks such as carne asada or arrachera, as well as fried green plantain slices.
3. Cuban Lentil Soup With Baked Plantains and Lemon Crema
Even with the lemon crema, this delicious dish is entirely vegan-friendly. It is dairy-free, high in protein and fiber, and low in sugar. This makes it the perfect dish for a variety of dietary requirements.
It is a comforting lentil dish that is jam-packed full of hearty vegetables and delicious flavors. The baked plantains and lemon crema just add a unique flair to the dish that makes this lentil soup stand out above the rest.
4. Spanish-style Vegan Lentil Stew
This is yet another vegan-friendly stew dish. Since the traditional Spanish version of lentejas stew typically has chorizo and/or serrano ham, I felt it was very important to also include some vegan options for vegan readers.
This recipe just proves that taking the meat out doesn’t mean you have to miss out. It is full of flavor, cheap to make, and a hearty choice for lunches and dinners.
5. Ají De Lentejas (Bolivian Spicy Lentil Stew)
Like the sound of Lentejas stew but want an extra kick of spice? I just might have the perfect recipe for you!
This delicious dish is made using smoked and dried hot pepper, and it gives you suggestions based on how hot you like it.
For a spicy taste, you could choose chipotle peppers, but for something a little milder, pick out some Chile Ancho peppers.
6. Sopa De Lentejas
This might just be one of the most flavorful recipes on the list, and that is all thanks to the addition of ham bone, bacon, and chorizo.
The ham bone, in particular, gives the soup a deliciously flavorful and rich taste, whilst the bacon and chorizo ensure there is some easy sustenance.
The spices that are used are on the milder side as they recommend that you use ancho chilies.
However, if you want a touch more heat, you can upgrade these to something hotter. Likewise, to make it more family-friendly, ease off on the spices.
7. Instant Pot Spanish Lentil Soup (Lentejas)
Are there any instant pot fans among us? If you haven’t tried out one of these genius pieces of kitchen equipment yet, you really have to! Cooking a lentejas soup has never been so simple.
All you need to do is prep your ingredients (so, chopping them up, peeling them if needed) and then add them all into the instant pot and let it do its thing!
If you have a little extra time you can saute some of the ingredients first, but this isn’t necessary!
8. Estofado carne con lentejas (beef stew with lentils)
This delicious recipe is full of flavor, and the recipe creator has kindly provided information on how to source some of the more difficult-to-find ingredients, reassuring you that the stew will still taste good without them!
This is based on a traditional Basque recipe and is full of the flavors of Northern Spain. I particularly approve of the three glasses of red wine!
9. Thermomix lentejas
I’ve already boasted about the amazing convenience of the instant pot cooker, now there is the Thermomix. This is yet another kitchen convenience that makes cooking so much easier.
This recipe for lentejas is cheap, easy to make, and suitable for a variety of dietary requirements such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
However, if you do want to add some meat, feel free! It works especially well with chorizo.
10. Tacu Tacu de Lentejas
Tacu Tacu is a traditional Peruvian dish that is typically made from rice and beans. It is filling, flavorful, and can be customized however you like.
The recipe creator has made their own version of this, using lentils (lentejas) instead of beans.
Lentils are just as flavorful and similar in price, and so this is a great way of using up leftover lentils from your store cupboard or just trying something a little different.
11. Potaje De Lentejas (Cuban Lentil Soup)
This hearty, fling soup (or potaje to call it by its proper name) will keep you feeling satisfied for hours. It is a traditional Cuban recipe and is packed full of starchy potatoes, pulses like lentils, and lots of fresh veggies.
Let’s not forget the variety of herbs and spices used to make it so tasty!
12. Lentejas con Chorizo Recipe (Simple Spanish Lentil Soup)
This recipe is truly perfection. There is the right amount of spices, aromatics, lentils, and meat in here to make it a truly special eating experience.
The recipe creator also recommends that you finish the dish off with some sherry vinegar and pickled peppers. Well…I have to say this might just be the best foodie tip I’ve ever had, because wow, it is delicious!
13. Sopa de Lentejas (Andalucian Lentil Soup)
The creator of this delicious meal says that this is the best soup to enjoy during the cold winter months, and I just have to agree.
It is based on a traditional Andalucian recipe and is packed full of vegetables and herbs. The creator also recommends really bulking out the soup with root veggies such as carrots to make it even more nutritious.
14. Mexican Vegan Lentil Soup (Sopa De Lentejas)
If you are looking for a lentejas soup that will pack a punch, this is the perfect recipe for you.
It uses chile serrano which is a super spicy chili and recommends that you actually mince it and add it to the vegetables for an even hotter kick. You can leave it whole if you prefer but this will result in a milder recipe.
You can add bacon to make it more like a traditional lentejas recipe, but this particular creator has omitted it to make it vegan-friendly.
15. Sopa de Lentejas: Spanish Lentil Soup
As the creator of this recipe points out, every single Spanish family will have a slightly different way of making Sopa de lentejas.
This gets even more diverse when you consider that it is also made in Mexico, Cuba, Peru, and many other South American and Latin cultures…that is possibly thousands of different ways of making lentejas!
This is just one family’s way of making it, and I have to say, we’re impressed! The pork loin added to this recipe gives a unique flair and texture that sets it apart from recipes using bacon.
16. Spanish Lentil Stew (Lentejas)
This recipe creator has tried to emulate the lentil stew she was made by her ‘host mom’ when she studied in Spain.
It is packed full of flavor, using mild Spanish chorizo, smoked paprika (this is a vital distinction, take it from us), and the all-important crusty bread to serve!
It is moreish, flavorful, and full of nutritious vegetables such as onions, carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes.
The creator also recommends that you use any leftovers to put on top of nachos the next day (just don’t forget the cheese!).
17. Vegan Lentil Soup | Sopa De Lentejas
This spicy, Mexican-inspired recipe uses green jalapenos for a fresh and spicy kick. This is not one for the faint of heart that’s for sure! It is the perfect vegan-friendly spicy soup to warm up even the coldest of winter days.
The recipe suggests adding vegan ‘bacon’ if that is something you like. Alternatively, if you aren’t vegan, you can just use regular bacon.
You could also add in some Mexican chorizo (or any vegan version) for a super authentic taste.