Syrian Style Lentil and Chard Soup
Warm, earthy, and bursting with vibrant flavor, Syrian Style Lentil and Chard Soup is a comforting and nutrient-packed dish that brings authentic Middle Eastern taste to your table. Featuring tender brown or green lentils, aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and the added brightness of fresh Swiss chard and a squeeze of lemon juice, this soup is as wholesome as it is delicious. Prepared with olive oil and finished with optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, this hearty, plant-based recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal. Ready in under an hour, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a bed of fluffy rice, making it both versatile and satisfying. Indulge in the balance of zesty, savory, and herbal notes while reaping the health benefits of its ingredients in every spoonful!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown or green lentils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 6 cups water or vegetable stock
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon optional red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and set aside to drain.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Add the drained lentils to the pot and toss them with the onion and spice mixture for 1 minute.
Pour in the water or vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Stir in the chopped Swiss chard and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, until the chard is wilted and tender.
Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
681 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.7 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 7962 mg | 346% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.5 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.0 g | 93% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.6 g | ||
| Protein | 27.5 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 285 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 15.2 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 3036 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
