Lebanese Lentil Swiss Chard Soup

Lebanese Lentil, Lemon, and Chard Soup, is a hearty recipe that blends earthy lentils, soft potatoes, and vibrant Swiss chard in a citrusy broth infused with garlic, cumin, and Aleppo pepper.

This soup is a perfect balance of warm and refreshing flavors, with a velvety texture complemented by the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice.

Ideal for chilly winter days or when you crave a nourishing, plant-based lunch, this soup is as healthy as it is delicious. Packed with nutrients and easy to make, it’s a timeless recipe that will easily become a family favorite.

Other cozy soup recipes you will love to enjoy on chilly winter days are: Turkish Lentil Soup (Kırmızı Mercimek Çorbası), Freekeh Soup, Red Lentil Soup, and Rashta (Irkak o Adas).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lentil Swiss Chard Soup has the perfect balance of hearty and refreshing flavors that tantalize your taste buds. It is packed with soft lentils, creamy tender potatoes, and tangy lemon flavors.

Moreover, it’s wholesome, easy to make, and packed with plant-based goodness, making it a satisfying choice for any day of the week.

Plus, it’s naturally vegan, nutritious, and ideal for cozy nights or light lunches!

Recipe Summary

Cuisine: Lebanese

Prep and Cooking Time: Approximately 35 minutes

Cooking Method: Simmering

Skill Required: Beginner-Friendly

Ingredients

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: It enhances the flavor, especially since it forms the base for sautéing the onions and garlic.

Yellow Onion: Finely chop the onion to ensure it dissolves into the soup, creating a smoother texture. It provides a savory and slightly sweet flavor.

Garlic: It adds aromatic warmth and complements the earthiness of lentils and chard.

Green Lentils: The star ingredient, these lentils hold their shape well and provide a hearty, earthy base packed with protein and fiber.

Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Potatoes add a creamy texture to the soup as they soften and make it more filling and comforting.

Swiss Chard: A nutritious green that gives the soup its signature vibrant color and a little bitterness to balance the richness. For a balanced texture, use both Swiss chard leaves and stems. Chop the stems finely to ensure they cook evenly.

Water: Use hot water instead of cold to ensure an even cooking temperature, allowing the lentils to cook evenly and without getting mushy.

Coriander Powder: It offers a citrusy, slightly nutty undertone that matches the lemon juice and Swiss chard.

Cumin: It enhances the soup with its warm, earthy notes, creating a grounded flavor profile.

Aleppo Pepper: It provides mild heat that lifts the overall flavor without overpowering the soup.

Garlic Powder: It reinforces the fresh garlic’s flavor in the soup without overpowering it.

Salt: Add salt to the soup at the end of cooking to avoid toughening the lentils and to season to taste.

Black Pepper: It adds a touch of warmth and subtle spice, making it more complex overall.

Lemon Juice: Just before serving, add freshly squeezed lemon juice to keep its vibrant, tangy flavor and brighten the soup.

How to Make Lentil Swiss Chard Soup

First, add a large pot to the stove to medium-high heat.

Then, add the olive oil and heat up for a minute before adding the finely chopped onion and the garlic. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes or so.

Now, add the cubed potatoes and mix.

After that, wash and drain the lentils and add them to the pot.

Next, add the water to cover and let it boil for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes and lentils are cooked and softened. Make sure the pot is covered.

Now, it’s time to wash and chop the Swiss chard. Add to the pot, along with the salt, black pepper, coriander powder, garlic powder, Aleppo pepper, and cumin. Stir.

Last but not least, cover it and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.

Finally, stir in the lemon juice and serve.

How to Serve Lentil Swiss Chard Soup

Serve Lentil Swiss Chard Soup warm, ladled into deep soup bowls with a squeeze of fresh lemon for an extra burst of tangy flavor. A sprinkle of Aleppo pepper or freshly cracked red pepper flakes adds a lovely touch of spice.

Pair the soup with warm pita bread or crusty artisan bread to soak up the delicious broth. This soup also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a more complete meal.

Variations and Substitutes

Lentils: Substitute green lentils with brown lentils for a similar texture. For a creamier, quicker-cooking version use red lentils.

Swiss Chard: Replace Swiss chard with kale or spinach. Each has a distinct flavor, kale is slightly more powerful and spinach is more delicate.

Spices: Add a pinch of turmeric for a golden hue or cayenne for extra heat.

Lemon Juice: Swap fresh lemon juice with lime juice for a tangy twist.

Broth Base: Use vegetable broth instead of water for a deeper, richer flavor.

Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro to add a bright, herbal note.

Tips and Tricks

Rinse Lentils Thoroughly: Wash the lentils well to remove any dirt or debris, ensuring a clean and healthy soup.

Control the Texture: Adjust the water quantity to get the desired consistency. So, use less water for a thicker stew-like soup or more for a more liquidly texture.

Sauté for Flavor: Take the time to sauté the onions and garlic until golden. This step builds a rich base flavor for the soup.

Even Cooking: Dice potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate as the lentils, avoiding undercooked chunks.

Batch Cook: Double the soup and freeze portions for a quick, nutritious meal on busy days.

Enhance the Tang: At the end, adjust the lemon juice to taste; start with 2 tablespoons and add more for a brighter flavor.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing: Lentil Swiss Chard Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. If you’ve added potatoes to the soup, avoid freezing it, as cooked potatoes can become grainy.

Reheating Tip: Reheat lentil Swiss chard soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened. To reheat the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions