Lemony Lentil & Chard Soup

4.3
(7)
6 Reviews

This satisfying lemony bowlful was inspired by the lentil soup served at the now-closed Lebanese restaurant La Shish in West Bloomfield, Michigan. It keeps well but will thicken, so you may want to thin it with a bit of water or broth when reheating. Serve with warm whole-wheat pita.

By
Carolyn Malcoun
Carolyn Malcoun
Carolyn Malcoun

As EatingWell's Associate Editorial Director, Carolyn Malcoun searches for cool farmers, chefs and other food stories to tell. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin and a culinary arts degree from New England Culinary Institute. She started at EatingWell as an intern in the Test Kitchen in 2005 and joined the editorial team soon after.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on September 18, 2023
Reviewed by Dietitian
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD
A portrait of Breana Killeen, M.P.H., RD
Reviewed by Dietitian Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Lemony Lentil & Chard Soup
Photo: Photography / Nico Schinco, Food Styling / Frances Boswell, Prop Stylist / Paige Hicks
Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
6
Nutrition Profile:
Nut-Free Dairy-Free Soy-Free High-Fiber Vegan Vegetarian High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free Low-Calorie
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Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 1 bunch chard

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper, plus more for serving

  • 8 cups water

  • 1 pound red lentils, picked over and rinsed

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

  • ½ cup lemon juice (from 3-4 lemons)

  • Ground pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, 8 to 12 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, separate chard greens from stems. Thinly slice the stems; chop the greens.

  3. Add garlic, cumin and Aleppo to the pot; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add water, lentils and the chard stems; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are falling apart, about 20 minutes. Stir in the chard leaves and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in salt, lemon juice and pepper before serving. Garnish with more oil and Aleppo, if desired.

To make ahead

Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, April 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

365 Calories
9g Fat
51g Carbs
22g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 1/2 cups
Calories 365
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 51g 19%
Dietary Fiber 13g 46%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 22g 44%
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Vitamin A 2334IU 47%
Vitamin C 22mg 24%
Vitamin E 1mg 9%
Folate 14mcg 4%
Vitamin K 314mcg 262%
Sodium 683mg 30%
Iron 5mg 28%
Magnesium 38mg 9%
Potassium 905mg 19%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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