Filipino (Pinoy) Style Lentil Soup
Filipino (Pinoy) Style Lentil Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together nutritious lentils, savory sausages, and vibrant vegetables in a comforting broth. This warming soup is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. With its robust flavors and healthy ingredients, this recipe is not only satisfying but also a great way to enjoy a taste of Filipino comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil | 15 ml olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed | 6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 2 medium onions (or 1 large), peeled and chopped | 2 medium onions (or 1 large), peeled and chopped
- 1 lb Italian or your favorite herb sausage, sliced diagonally | 450 g Italian or your favorite herb sausage, sliced diagonally
- 5 roma or plum tomatoes, diced | 5 roma or plum tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp reduce-sodium soy sauce (or to taste) | 30 ml reduce-sodium soy sauce (or to taste)
- 1½ cups lentils | 300 g lentils
- 5 cups water | 1.2 L water
- 10 oz bag of spinach | 284 g bag of spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste | Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the crushed garlic and chopped onions until the onions are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced sausages to the pan and cook until they are browned.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and soy sauce, mixing well.
- Meanwhile, rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
- Add the rinsed lentils and 5 cups of water to the pan with sausages and vegetables. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 50 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Finally, add the spinach and cook just until it’s wilted.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Serve hot either on its own or paired with bread or rice.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8 servings
Nutrition Info: Approximately 250 calories per serving, depending on specific ingredients used.
How to serve
To serve Filipino (Pinoy) Style Lentil Soup, ladle it into bowls while it’s hot. This soup is fantastic when enjoyed on its own or served alongside steamed rice or crusty bread. For an added touch, garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro. A sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate the dish for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Whether as an appetizer or main dish, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of sausages?
Absolutely! You can use any sausage of your choice, such as chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option for a different flavor profile.
2. How long can this soup be stored?
This lentil soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
3. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also increase the amount of lentils or add more vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
Filipino (Pinoy) Style Lentil Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 2 medium onions (or 1 large), peeled and chopped
- 1 lb Italian or your favorite herb sausage, sliced diagonally
- 5 medium roma or plum tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp reduce-sodium soy sauce (or to taste)
- 1½ cups lentils
- 5 cups water
- 10 oz bag of spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Heat the olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the crushed garlic and chopped onions until the onions are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced sausages to the pan and cook until they are browned.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and soy sauce, mixing well.
- Meanwhile, rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
- Add the rinsed lentils and 5 cups of water to the pan with sausages and vegetables. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 50 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Finally, add the spinach and cook just until it’s wilted.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Serve hot either on its own or paired with bread or rice.
