Step 1

Sort through the lentils. Pick out any debris or pebbles. Then, place the lentils in a strainer or colander and rinse thoroughly under running water.

Step 2

Add lentils to the Instant Pot with 2 cups of water and the chicken broth. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and move the valve to seal.

Step 3

Pressure cook on high for 12 minutes (if your prefer softer lentils cook them for 15 minutes). Then allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Move the pressure release valve from the sealing position to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.

Step 4

While the lentils cook, dice the bacon into small pieces. If your bacon is extra fatty, remove some of the excess fat. In a deep pot or Dutch oven, fry the bacon pieces on medium heat until crispy.

Step 5

Once the bacon is crispy, add the diced jalapeño, diced white onion, and minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion and jalapeño are tender and fragrant.

Step 6

Add 1 diced tomato and sauté for another minute.

Step 7

Add the cooked lentils with any remaining liquid. If needed, add 1/2 cup to 1 cup of hot water to reach your desired “soupy” consistency.

Step 8

Season with salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro.

Step 9

Let the soup boil for 5 minutes then taste for seasoning. I usually add about another 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Step 10

Ladle into a bowl and serve with Spicy Sardine Empanadas, bread, quesadillas or warm tortillas.

Step 11

Sort the lentils by picking out any debris or pebbles. Then, place the lentils in a strainer or colander and rinse thoroughly under running water.

Step 12

Add the lentils, 2 cups of water and 3 cups of chicken broth to a medium pot. Bring the liquid to a rapid boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 13

Cover and simmer for 20-35 minutes until the lentils are soft and tender, but not falling apart. To ensure this, check on them at 20 minutes and if they are not done, check on them every 5 minutes until they are at the right consistency.

Step 14

From here, follow the same directions from frying the bacon, to sautéing the vegetables and assembling the soup listed under the Instant Pot steps.