Mexican Red Lentil Soup with Cilantro-Almond Pesto

Makes 8 servings
Time 1 hr
Mexican Red Lentil Soup with Cilantro-Almond Pesto

The bright flavors and colors of this easy soup are ready to wake up any weeknight meal. Canned fire-roasted tomatoes are a simple way to add smoky depth of flavor, and a final swirl of spicy cilantro pesto brightens the earthy spices.

Special Diets:

Dairy FreeDairy Free
Gluten FreeGluten Free
VeganVegan
VegetarianVegetarian

Ingredients

    2 tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
    1 mediumwhite onion, diced
    2stalks celery, finely chopped
    1 largered bell pepper, finely chopped
    2 clovesgarlic, finely chopped
    1 tablespoonfresh oregano, finely chopped
    2 tablespoonstomato paste
    1 pound(about 2 3/4 cups) red lentils
    1 can (14.5-ounce)chopped fire-roasted tomatoes
    1 tablespoonground cumin
    2 teaspoonsground coriander
    1 1/4 teaspoonsfine sea salt
    1 teaspoonsmoked paprika
    1/4 teaspooncayenne pepper
    8 tablespoons<a href="http://wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/4316">Spicy Cilantro-Almond Pesto</a>

Exclusively for Prime members in select ZIP codes.

Method

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. 


Add onion, celery and red pepper; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. 


Stir in garlic and oregano; cook until fragrant, about 2 more minutes. 


Add tomato paste; cook, stirring until all ingredients are combined in a thick paste, about 2 more minutes.


Add lentils, tomatoes and 6 cups water. 


Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer until lentils are soft, 20 to 25 minutes.


Turn off heat. Stir in cumin, coriander, salt, paprika and cayenne, and allow the soup to rest, covered, for 5 minutes. 


Serve immediately topped with a swirl of Cilantro-Almond Pesto.

Nutritional Info

Serving Size

about 1 1/4 cups soup, plus 1 tablespoon pesto

Calories

380

Total Fat

17g

Saturated Fat

2g

Cholesterol

0mg

Sodium

530mg

Total Carbohydrate

42g

Dietary Fiber

11g

Total Sugars

5g

Protein

18g

Note: We've provided special diet and nutritional information for educational purposes. But remember - we're cooks, not doctors! You should follow the advice of your health-care provider. And since product formulations change, check product labels for the most recent ingredient information. See our Terms of Service.