Spicy Chorizo & Lentil Rice Soup
Warm up your winter days with this hearty Spicy Chorizo & Lentil Rice Soup, inspired by traditional Chilean cuisine. This comforting dish combines tender lentils, spicy chorizo, and fluffy rice, all simmered together to create a flavorful, filling meal. The savory aroma of bacon and spices wafts through your kitchen, making it irresistible. Serve it piping hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and crumbled hard-boiled eggs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, this robust soup is sure to please everyone at your table.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lentils
1/2 lb (washed and sorted)
cooked white rice
1 cup (prepared separately and set aside)
white onion
1 medium (diced)
garlic
1 clove (finely chopped)
chorizo sausage
2 (chopped)
olive oil
2 tbsp (for sautéing)
cumin
1 tsp (ground)
paprika
1 tsp (smoked or sweet)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
bacon
4 slices (chopped)
chicken stock
4 cups (or water)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water (or chicken stock) to a boil and add the sorted lentils. Season with salt and pepper, and add the chopped bacon.
2
Reduce heat to medium and let the lentils simmer for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender. Check occasionally and add more liquid if necessary. Do not drain; set lentils aside once cooked.
3
In a separate large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onions. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
4
Add the chopped chorizo to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chorizo has browned and cooked through.
5
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and paprika, mixing well to distribute the spices evenly.
6
Add the cooked rice to the chorizo and onion mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
7
Incorporate the cooked lentils into the mixture and stir well. Let it all cook together for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
8
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with your choice of chopped cilantro, crumbled hard-boiled eggs, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Chorizo & Lentil Rice Soup?
It is a hearty, flavorful soup inspired by Chilean cuisine that combines lentils, spicy chorizo, and white rice.
What are the primary ingredients for this soup?
The main ingredients include lentils, cooked white rice, chorizo sausage, bacon, white onion, garlic, and chicken stock.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Do I need to cook the rice beforehand?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 cup of white rice that has been prepared separately and set aside.
What kind of lentils should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of lentils that have been washed and sorted.
How long do the lentils need to simmer?
Lentils should be simmered for about 20 minutes or until they are tender.
Should I drain the lentils after cooking them?
No, do not drain the lentils; they should be set aside with their cooking liquid.
What is the purpose of the bacon in this recipe?
Chopped bacon is added to the lentils while boiling to provide a savory base flavor.
How do I prepare the onion?
You should use one medium white onion, diced and sautéed until translucent.
What spices are used to season the soup?
The soup is seasoned with ground cumin, smoked or sweet paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
What liquid is used for the soup base?
You can use 4 cups of chicken stock or water.
How is the chorizo prepared?
The chorizo sausage should be chopped and sautéed for about 5 minutes until browned.
When do I add the garlic?
Finely chopped garlic is added to the pan after the onions and chorizo have cooked.
What is the best way to garnish this soup?
Recommended garnishes include fresh cilantro, crumbled hard-boiled eggs, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this soup spicy?
Yes, the use of chorizo and spices like paprika gives it a warm, spicy flavor profile.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 1 finely chopped clove of garlic.
Can I use sweet paprika instead of smoked?
Yes, you can use either smoked or sweet paprika depending on your preference.
What is the final cooking step?
After combining all ingredients, let the soup cook together for another 10 minutes while stirring frequently.
How do I prevent the soup from sticking?
You should stir the mixture frequently during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
Can I substitute the chicken stock?
Yes, water is a perfectly fine substitute for chicken stock in this recipe.
What kind of paprika is best?
The recipe suggests either 1 teaspoon of smoked or sweet paprika.
How much cumin is used?
One teaspoon of ground cumin is added to the spice mixture.
Do I use fresh or dried chorizo?
The recipe specifies 2 chorizo sausages, chopped and browned in a pan.
What should I do if the lentils need more liquid?
Check the lentils occasionally while simmering and add more liquid if necessary.
Is this a traditional dish?
Yes, it is inspired by traditional Chilean cuisine.
What size onion should I use?
A medium-sized white onion is recommended.
How much bacon is required?
The recipe uses 4 slices of chopped bacon.
Should the rice be white or brown?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of cooked white rice.
When should I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper just before serving.