Enjoy a hearty and flavorful bowl of Chard Lentil Soup with this authentic Lebanese recipe. This dish combines nutritious ingredients like chard, lentils, and spices to create a wholesome and delicious meal. Perfect for cool weather or when you need a comforting and satisfying dish. Try this Lebanese style Chard Lentil Soup today!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. In a large pot, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- In the meantime, heat the olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
- Add the chopped chard leaves to the pan. Stir and cook until the chard wilts down, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked chard mixture to the pot with the lentils. Stir well to combine.
- Add the lemon juice to the soup and adjust the seasoning according to taste.
- Simmer the soup for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Serve the Chard Lentil Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Enjoy this delicious and healthy Lebanese-style soup!
Interesting Facts
Chard is a nutrient-rich leafy green vegetable that provides vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like magnesium and iron.
Lentils are an excellent plant-based source of protein and fiber, making this soup a filling and nutritious meal option.
Lebanese cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and use of fresh herbs and spices.
This Chard Lentil Soup can be easily customized by adding other vegetables or herbs for added taste and nutritional benefits.
It is common in Lebanese culture to enjoy soup as a starter or main course, often accompanied by bread or flatbread.