Are you tired of bland, boring soups that leave you unsatisfied? Prepare to be amazed by the most incredible one-pot wonder that's about to become your new favorite meal! This CS Chicken Lentil Chard Soup is not just a recipe - it's a nutritional powerhouse that combines hearty lentils, tender chicken, and vibrant Swiss chard in a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or when you need a comforting meal that's both healthy and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Add the rinsed lentils to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the chopped Swiss chard. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the chard is wilted and tender.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Lentil Perfection: Rinse your lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dust or debris, ensuring a clean, pure flavor.
- Veggie Prep Matters: Dice your carrots, celery, and onions into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Garlic Wisdom: Add minced garlic at the right moment - too early and it burns, too late and it doesn't release its full flavor. The sweet spot is about 30-60 seconds before adding liquid.
- Chard Selection: Choose fresh, crisp Swiss chard with bright green leaves. Remove the tough stems before chopping to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth greens.
- Flavor Boosting: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing vegetables or a parmesan rind while simmering.
- Storage Hack: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a big batch and enjoy leftovers!
- Customization: Feel free to add shredded rotisserie chicken or swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
