Hearty Greek Lentil and Chard Soup
This delightful Hearty Greek Lentil and Chard Soup is a wholesome and nutritious dish that warms the soul. Rich in protein and fiber, the combination of lentils, fresh vegetables, and vibrant Swiss chard creates a satisfying meal that can easily be prepared in advance. The vibrant flavors from the sautéed onions, carrots, and celery, combined with aromatic spices and a splash of lemon juice, elevate this soup to a new level. Leftover soup can be refrigerated for a couple of days, and you can add the pasta and Swiss chard just before serving to maintain their fresh texture and color. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this soup is a nourishing option that the whole family will enjoy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried lentils
2 cups (Rinsed and sorted)
Water
8 cups (For boiling)
Bay leaves
2-3 (Whole)
Onions
2 large (Chopped)
Celery stalks
3-4 (Chopped)
Carrots
2 large (Chopped)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (For sautéing)
Salt
2 teaspoons (To taste)
Black peppercorns
1 teaspoon (Crushed)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (Dried)
Tomato paste
1/4 cup (Dissolved in liquid)
Whole wheat pasta shells
1 cup (Cooked until almost tender)
Swiss chard
4 cups (Washed and shredded)
Lemon juice
2-3 tablespoons (To taste)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the lentils thoroughly and removing any debris. Place them in a large soup pot along with 8 cups of water and the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
2
While the lentils are cooking, prepare the vegetables. In a separate skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots, and sauté until they become soft and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
3
Once the lentils are tender, stir in the sautéed vegetable mixture into the pot. Dissolve the tomato paste in a few ladles of the soup broth, then mix it into the pot along with the salt, crushed black peppercorns, and oregano.
4
Cook the whole wheat pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water until it's almost al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the soup pot, stirring to combine.
5
Thoroughly wash the Swiss chard under running water, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Add the chard to the soup and let it simmer until the pasta is fully cooked and the chard is bright green, about 5 minutes.
6
If at any time the soup appears too thick, feel free to add additional liquid to achieve your desired consistency. The goal is to have a hearty, stew-like consistency.
7
Finally, remove the soup from heat and stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in Hearty Greek Lentil and Chard Soup?
The main ingredients include dried lentils, Swiss chard, whole wheat pasta shells, onions, carrots, celery, and tomato paste, seasoned with oregano, bay leaves, and lemon juice.
How long does it take to cook the lentils?
Lentils should be simmered for about 30 minutes until they are tender but not mushy.
Can I use a different type of greens instead of Swiss chard?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss chard with other leafy greens like kale or spinach, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, this recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegans.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the whole wheat pasta shells for your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative or omit the pasta entirely.
How should I store leftovers of this soup?
Leftover soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for a couple of days.
Why is lemon juice added at the end?
Lemon juice is stirred in after removing the soup from heat to brighten the flavors and add a fresh citrus note.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No, you only need to rinse the lentils thoroughly and remove any debris before boiling.
What is the best way to maintain the texture of the pasta and chard in leftovers?
For the best texture, you can add the pasta and Swiss chard just before serving rather than storing them in the soup for long periods.
What type of consistency should this soup have?
The goal is to achieve a hearty, stew-like consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add more liquid.
Can I use canned lentils for this recipe?
While dried lentils are recommended for the best flavor and texture, canned lentils can be used to save time; just reduce the initial simmering time.
How do I prepare the Swiss chard?
Thoroughly wash the chard under running water and shred it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the soup.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil to sauté the onions, celery, and carrots.
How do I incorporate the tomato paste?
Dissolve the tomato paste in a few ladles of the soup broth before mixing it back into the pot.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, the combination of lentils, whole wheat pasta, and vegetables makes this soup rich in fiber and protein.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh oregano; however, use about three times the amount of fresh as you would dried to achieve the same flavor profile.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before adding it to the soup?
No, the pasta should be cooked until almost al dente in a separate pot before being added to the soup to finish cooking.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup appears too thick, feel free to add additional water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
How many bay leaves should I use?
The recipe recommends using 2 to 3 whole bay leaves while simmering the lentils.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely, this soup is a nourishing option that can be prepared in advance for weeknight dinners.
What kind of pasta works best for this soup?
Whole wheat pasta shells are suggested, but any small pasta shape like ditalini or orzo would also work well.
How long should the Swiss chard simmer?
The chard only needs to simmer for about 5 minutes until it is bright green and the pasta is fully cooked.
What seasoning is used in this Greek soup?
The soup is seasoned with salt, crushed black peppercorns, dried oregano, and bay leaves.
Does this soup contain cholesterol?
Since it contains only plant-based ingredients and no meat or dairy, it is naturally cholesterol-free.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Yes, you can easily add other vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value.
What size should the onions, carrots, and celery be chopped?
They should be chopped into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
Is it necessary to remove the bay leaves?
Yes, it is common practice to remove the bay leaves before serving as they are used for flavor and are not meant to be eaten.
How much water is needed for the lentils?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of water to simmer 2 cups of dried lentils.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of water?
Yes, using vegetable broth instead of water will add even more depth of flavor to the soup.
Is this a traditional Greek recipe?
Yes, it is a variation of 'Fakes', a traditional Greek lentil soup, enhanced with Swiss chard and pasta.