Savory Lebanese Lentil & Swiss Chard Delight
Embrace the warmth of comfort food with this Lebanese-inspired lentil and Swiss chard soup, perfect for those crisp autumn evenings. This nourishing dish combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the vibrant greens of Swiss chard, creating a wholesome meal that's rich in nutrients. The subtle punch of garlic and the refreshing tang of lemon elevate the flavors, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. Not only is this soup easy to prepare, but it also offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, ensuring every spoonful is satisfying. Serve it at room temperature for a rustic feel or enjoy it warm for that cozy vibe!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
large green lentil
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
fresh swiss chard
1 bunch (washed, trimmed, and chopped into strips)
water
7 cups (for cooking lentils)
garlic cloves
10 (peeled and crushed)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
lemons
2 (juiced to taste)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (for flavoring)
Instructions
1
Begin by spreading the lentils on a large platter to check for any impurities; remove any stones or debris. Rinse thoroughly under cold water and drain well.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and 7 cups of water. Place the pan over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan, and allow to simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
3
While the lentils are simmering, prepare the Swiss chard. Wash the leaves thoroughly, trim off any dirty ends of the stalks, and slice the chard into thin strips about 1/2-inch wide. Once the lentils are nearly cooked, add the Swiss chard to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the chard is tender.
4
Next, prepare the garlic. Peel the garlic cloves and coarsely chop them. Transfer the chopped garlic to a mortar, add a pinch of salt to help absorb the juices, and pound into a smooth paste with a pestle. This method enhances the flavor and texture of the garlic compared to using a crusher.
5
Gradually mix the lemon juice into the garlic paste, followed by the extra virgin olive oil until well combined. This aromatic mixture will add depth to your soup.
6
Once the lentils and Swiss chard are perfectly tender, stir in the garlic-lemon mixture into the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed, then allow the soup to simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
7
Finally, taste one last time and make any final seasoning adjustments, then serve warm or at room temperature in bowls, garnished with a splash of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
41g
Carbs
10g
Protein
9.5g
Fiber
1.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Lebanese Lentil & Swiss Chard Delight?
It is a Lebanese-inspired lentil and Swiss chard soup that combines earthy lentils with vibrant greens, garlic, and lemon for a nourishing meal.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is explicitly tagged as vegan and contains only plant-based ingredients.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
This soup contains approximately 225 calories per serving.
What type of lentils are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of large green lentils, rinsed and drained.
How much protein is in the Savory Lebanese Lentil & Swiss Chard Delight?
Each serving provides 10g of protein.
How much fiber does this dish contain?
This soup is high in fiber, providing 9.5g per serving.
How should I prepare the Swiss chard?
Wash the leaves thoroughly, trim off any dirty ends of the stalks, and slice the chard into thin strips about 1/2-inch wide.
How much garlic is used in this soup?
The recipe uses 10 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed into a paste.
Why does the recipe suggest using a mortar and pestle for the garlic?
Pounding the garlic into a paste with a mortar and pestle enhances the flavor and texture compared to using a standard garlic crusher.
How long should the lentils simmer?
Lentils should be simmered for 30 to 45 minutes or until they are tender but not mushy.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The soup contains 4g of fat per serving.
How much water is needed to cook the lentils?
You will need 7 cups of water for cooking the lentils.
Can I serve this soup cold?
The recipe suggests serving it either warm for a cozy vibe or at room temperature for a rustic feel.
How many carbohydrates are in this soup?
There are 41g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of oil is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil for flavoring.
How many lemons are used?
Two lemons are used, juiced to taste and mixed with the garlic paste.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe contains a small amount of sugar, approximately 1.25g.
When should the Swiss chard be added to the pot?
Add the Swiss chard once the lentils are nearly cooked and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
Why should I spread the lentils on a platter before cooking?
This allows you to check for and remove any impurities, such as stones or debris, before rinsing.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and described as a nourishing dish rich in nutrients.
How is the garlic-lemon mixture prepared?
Mix lemon juice into the garlic paste, followed by extra virgin olive oil until well combined.
What is the final step before serving?
Taste and make any final seasoning adjustments, then garnish with a splash of olive oil if desired.
Can this be considered comfort food?
Yes, the description highlights it as a comfort food perfect for crisp autumn evenings.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and is described as an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
What is the primary flavor profile of this soup?
It features earthy lentil flavors balanced by vibrant greens, a subtle punch of garlic, and a refreshing tang of lemon.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is tagged as vegetarian.
What amount of salt is used in the ingredients list?
The ingredients list 1/4 teaspoon of salt, though more can be added to taste.
Should the soup be simmered covered or uncovered after adding the garlic?
After adding the garlic-lemon mixture, allow the soup to simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include lentil soup, lebanese cuisine, vegan, healthy, comfort food, quick meal, and vegetarian.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients listed: green lentils, swiss chard, water, garlic, salt, lemons, and olive oil.