Lentil Soup with Chard

Comforting, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, this Lentil Soup with Chard is a hearty, plant-based dish perfect for any season. Featuring tender lentils simmered with aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika, this recipe is elevated by the addition of vibrant Swiss chard and a zesty touch of fresh lemon juice. Packed with wholesome ingredients like carrots, celery, and garlic, this one-pot wonder is as satisfying as it is simple, coming together in under an hour. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal prep option, this vegan and gluten-free soup offers the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavor. Serve it warm with crusty bread or a light salad for a meal that’s as comforting as it is nourishing.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 6

Remove the bay leaf from the soup.

Step 7

Stir in the chopped Swiss chard, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chard is wilted.

Step 8

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2410.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1245.1

Total Fat 43.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6563.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 176.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 48.1g	0%
Total Sugars 43.6g
Protein 53.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 576.4mg	0%
Iron 22.0mg	0%
Potassium 5616.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.8%

Protein: 16.3%

Carbs: 53.8%