This lemon lentil soup recipe is a wonderful medley of flavors, with the tanginess of lemon and the earthy notes of lentils blending together for a hearty and nutritious soup. Ideal for chilly evenings, this soup is not only warming, but also packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Most ingredients for this recipe are likely to be readily available in your pantry. However, you might not have brown lentils and swiss chard at home. Brown lentils are a type of pulse that is high in protein and fiber. You can find them in the dried beans section in a supermarket. Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable, similar to spinach or kale, and can be found in the fresh produce section.
Ingredients for Lemon Lentil Soup
Chicken broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the base of this soup. It adds depth to the flavor.
Brown lentils: A protein-packed pulse that adds a hearty texture to the soup.
Swiss chard: A nutritious leafy green that adds color and texture to the soup.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, it adds a subtle flavor.
Onions: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the soup.
Garlic cloves: Enhances the flavor of the soup.
Cilantro: A fresh herb that adds an earthy flavor to the soup.
Lemon juice: Adds a tangy flavor that complements the lentils and chard.
Lemon: Used for garnish and adds an extra punch of citrus to the soup.
One reader, Art Houston says:
This lemon lentil soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and refreshing. The combination of lemon and lentils is simply divine. It's a comforting and nutritious dish that's perfect for any time of the year. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Lemon Lentil Soup
How to prepare the broth: Combine the chicken broth, water, onion, bay leaf, parsley, and thyme in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1½ hours. Strain and reserve 4 cups of broth for the recipe.
How to cook the lentils: In a large soup pot, pour the reserved 4 cups of broth and add 4 cups of water. Stir in the lentils and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 1 hour.
How to sauté the chard and onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the large onion and cook until transparent, stirring frequently. Then add the garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Place the chard in the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until wilted.
How to finish the soup: Transfer the chard and onion mixture to the pot with the lentils. Stir in the cilantro and lemon juice. Season with salt and additional lemon, if desired. Simmer covered for an additional 15 minutes before serving.
How To Make Lentil Lemon Soup
This filling lentil lemon soup is a tangy version of a Lebanese lentil soup! Enjoy warm bowls of lentils and veggies, simmered in a savory chicken broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 14.5ozchicken broth,(1 can)
- 6cupswater
- 1small onion,peeled, diced
- 1bay leaf
- 3Italian flat leaf parsley sprigs
- 2fresh thyme sprigs
- 4cupswater
- 1½cupsbrown lentils,dried, rinsed, drained
- 1½lbsswiss chard,rinsed, stems removed, cut into ½-inch slices
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1large onion,finely chopped
- 4garlic cloves,crushed
- 3tbspfresh cilantro,chopped
- ½cuplemon juice
- salt,to taste
- 1lemon,cut into wedges
Instructions
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In a large saucepan, combine the chicken broth, water, onion, bay leaf, parsley, and thyme.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1½ hours.
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Strain and reserve 4 cups of broth for the recipe. Reserve the remaining broth for other uses.
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Pour the 4 cups of broth into a large soup pot and add 4 cups of water to it. Stir in lentils and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 1 hour.
-
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the large onion, and cook until transparent, stirring frequently.
-
Add the garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Place the chard in the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until wilted.
-
Transfer the chard and onion mixture to the pot with the lentils. Stir in the cilantro and lemon juice. Season with salt and additional lemon, if desired.
-
Simmer covered for an additional 15 minutes before serving.
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Serve with lemon wedges, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 281.49kcal
- Fat: 6.21g
- Saturated Fat: 0.99g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.83g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.98g
- Carbohydrates: 43.83g
- Fiber: 8.14g
- Sugar: 5.64g
- Protein: 16.39g
- Cholesterol: 2.06mg
- Sodium: 1628.25mg
- Calcium: 111.06mg
- Potassium: 934.81mg
- Iron: 5.79mg
- Vitamin A: 355.22µg
- Vitamin C: 55.09mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Lemon Lentil Soup
When preparing the Swiss chard, make sure to remove the tough stems and only use the leaves. The stems can be quite fibrous and tough, which is not ideal for this soup. Additionally, when adding the lemon juice, do so gradually, tasting as you go. This will allow you to control the acidity and ensure it doesn't overpower the other flavors in the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Lemon Lentil Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and measure ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the soup and freeze the extra portions for quick and easy meals later.
Use canned broth: To save time, consider using store-bought chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.
Quick wilt: Instead of cooking the swiss chard separately, add it directly to the soup to save time and effort.
Lemon juice shortcut: Use bottled lemon juice as a time-saving alternative to juicing fresh lemons.
Efficient chopping: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop onions, garlic, and herbs for the recipe.
Simmer smart: Increase the heat to reduce the simmering time for the lentils, ensuring they cook faster.
Substitute Ingredients For Lentil Lemon Soup Recipe
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: This will provide a similar savory flavor and depth to the soup without using chicken broth.
swiss chard - Substitute with kale: Both swiss chard and kale have a similar earthy flavor and hearty texture, making kale a suitable substitute for swiss chard in the soup.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good substitute for olive oil in cooking.
brown lentils - Substitute with green lentils: Green lentils have a similar texture and cooking time to brown lentils, making them a suitable substitute in the soup recipe.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a tangy and acidic flavor similar to lemon juice in the soup.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime can provide a similar citrusy flavor and acidity to the soup as lemon.
Best Way to Present This Delightful Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the lemon lentil soup, focus on creating an elegant and refined plating. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and layers of the soup, allowing the ingredients to shine through.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of sophistication to the dish by garnishing with fresh cilantro and thyme. Sprinkle the herbs delicately on top of the soup to enhance the visual appeal and provide a burst of aromatic flavors.
Incorporate citrus zest: Enhance the visual and sensory experience by grating lemon zest over the soup just before serving. The bright zest will add a pop of color and a refreshing citrus aroma, elevating the overall presentation.
Artful drizzling of olive oil: Prior to serving, drizzle a small amount of olive oil in a circular motion on the surface of the soup. The elegant swirl of olive oil not only adds a luxurious touch but also complements the flavors of the dish.
Serve with a lemon wedge: Accompany the soup with a neatly sliced lemon wedge placed on the rim of the bowl. This not only adds a decorative element but also allows the diners to customize the level of citrus brightness in their soup.
Attention to bowl selection: Choose a bowl with a refined design and a complementary color to the soup. Opt for a bowl that accentuates the earthy tones of the lentils and the vibrant green of the chard, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Precision in portioning: Pay attention to portion sizes and ensure that the soup is carefully ladled into the bowl, creating a balanced and visually pleasing composition that reflects attention to detail and culinary finesse.
Use of negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the soup to be the focal point. Avoid overcrowding the presentation, and let the simplicity of the dish speak volumes.
Attention to detail in placement: When adding garnishes and drizzles, ensure precision in their placement. Each element should be thoughtfully positioned to create a harmonious and visually stunning presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Lemon Lentil Soup
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for a variety of kitchen tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Large saucepan: A deep cooking vessel with a handle and often a lid, used for making soups, stews, and boiling liquids.
Soup pot: A large, deep pot with a lid, ideal for making soups and stews.
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
Strainer: A kitchen tool with a perforated surface used for draining liquids from cooked ingredients.
Lemon squeezer: A handheld tool used to extract juice from lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits.
Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for mixing and stirring ingredients in pots and pans.
Soup ladle: A large, deep spoon with a long handle, used for serving soups and stews.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to accurately measure ingredients for recipes.
Large soup bowls: Deep, wide bowls used for serving soup.
Storing and Freezing Lemon Lentil Soup
Allow the lemon lentil soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to spoilage and freezer burn.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together over time, making the soup even more delicious.
When reheating refrigerated soup, bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if needed.
To freeze the soup, portion it into individual serving sizes using freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. This allows you to thaw only what you need for future meals, minimizing waste.
Leave about an inch of headspace at the top of each container to allow for expansion during freezing. Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
Freeze the lemon lentil soup for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Reheat the thawed soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. If the soup appears too thick after thawing, add a little water or chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency.
For best results, avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing the soup, as this can affect its texture and quality. If you anticipate having leftovers, freeze the soup in smaller portions to minimize the need for refreezing.
How To Reheat Leftover Lemon Lentil Soup
Reheat the lemon lentil soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows for even heating and prevents the lentils from becoming mushy or overcooked.
If the soup has thickened during storage, add a small amount of chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency while reheating.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer individual portions of the lemon lentil soup to microwave-safe bowls. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the soup is heated through.
If you prefer a fresher taste, squeeze a little extra lemon juice into the reheated soup and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
To add a crispy texture to your reheated lemon lentil soup, consider topping it with a handful of croutons or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
If you have any leftover swiss chard or other vegetables, sauté them briefly in a pan with a little olive oil and add them to the reheated soup for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
Interesting Fact About Lemon Lentil Soup
The lentil soup is a rich source of iron and protein, making it a nutritious and filling meal option.
Is Making Lemon Lentil Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
The lemon lentil soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as lentils, onions, and leafy greens, are affordable and readily available. The addition of chicken broth enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The recipe's versatility allows for variations based on seasonal produce, making it budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical and nutritious option. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is Lemon Lentil Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This lemon lentil soup recipe is a nutritious and wholesome dish that offers several health benefits. The combination of lentils, Swiss chard, and vegetables provides a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Lentils are particularly rich in iron, folate, and magnesium, while Swiss chard is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. The use of olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, and the lemon juice provides vitamin C and enhances the absorption of iron from the lentils.
However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of added salt to lower the sodium content
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or replace it with vegetable broth for a vegan option
- Include more vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or tomatoes, to increase the nutrient density
- Add a pinch of turmeric or cumin for additional anti-inflammatory benefits and flavor
- Serve the soup with a side of whole-grain bread or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal
By incorporating these suggestions, you can elevate the nutritional value of this already healthy lemon lentil soup. The added vegetables will provide more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while the whole grains will contribute additional fiber and complex carbohydrates. Experimenting with different herbs and spices can also enhance the flavor profile and offer potential health benefits. Overall, this recipe is a great starting point for a nourishing and satisfying meal that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Editor's Opinion on This Lemon Lentil Soup Recipe
The lemon lentil soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of earthy lentils, vibrant Swiss chard, and zesty lemon creates a harmonious balance that is both comforting and refreshing. The use of fresh herbs and aromatic spices adds depth to the soup, while the cooking method ensures a rich and flavorful broth. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a nourishing and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion.
Enhance Your Lentil Lemon Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Lentil Lemon Soup Recipe:
This #food# recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and wholesome ingredients. The combination of fresh lemon juice and #swiss chard# creates a vibrant and refreshing taste, while the use of #brown lentils# adds a hearty and nutritious element. The inclusion of olive oil and aromatic herbs infuses the dish with rich, savory notes. With its carefully curated components and meticulous cooking process, this #recipe# promises a satisfying and nourishing dining experience.
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