COLOMBIAN-STYLE LENTIL SOUP (SOPA DE LENTEJAS)

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup carrots grated
• 1 cup chorizo sliced
• 0.3 teaspoon cumin powder 
• 1.3 cup lentils dried
• 3 tablespoons cilantro leaves fresh chopped
• 1  garlic clove minced
• 0.5 cup heavy cream 
• 1 tablespoon juice of lime fresh
• 0.5 cup onion chopped
• 0.3 teaspoon pepper 
• 0.5 cup potatoes 
• 0.5 teaspoon salt 
• 0.3 cup scallions chopped
• 0.5 cup tomatoes chopped
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 
• 5 cups water 

Equipment

• bowl
• paper towels
• ladle
• pot
• slotted spoon

Directions

1. Cook the chorizo in the oil in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chorizo to a plate lined with paper towel.
2. Add the carrots, onion, garlic, tomato and scallions to the pot, season with salt and pepper. Cook stirring occasionally about 12 minutes. Stir in the cumin and cook 1 more minute.
3. Add the lentils and water, bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium low, cover and cook until the lentils become tender but not mushy about 45 minutes.
4. Add chorizo and potatoes, cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fully cooked and fork tender, thin with water if necessary. Ladle into soup bowls and top with cream if using and serve immediately.