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Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup is a cozy dish like no other. It’s warm, hearty, and full of earthy deliciousness. This vegan soup, packed with tender lentils, vibrant greens, and a squeeze of zesty lemon, is a nourishing pleasure for the body and the soul.
Its velvety texture and balanced spices make it ideal for chilly evenings or meal planning for the week. Whether served as a light starter or a filling main dish, each spoonful is packed with nutrients and taste. This soup recipe is easy, light, and irresistibly tasty!
Lentil and Swiss chard soup is a staple in Lebanese households, cherished for its warming effect and satisfying taste. You will also love to try other Lebanese recipes including Lebanese Chicken and Rice (Riz a Djej), Lebanese Spinach Pies-Fatayer, Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad, and Shish Tawook Recipe – Lebanese Grilled Chicken Skewers.
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: Lebanese
Cooking Method: Stovetop simmering
Skill Required: Easy, beginner-friendly
Signature Taste: Earthy lentils with vibrant, zesty lemon and herby notes
Diet Info: Vegan, protein-rich, and gluten-free
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup is a hearty, healthy bowl of comfort. Packed with protein-rich lentils, vivid Swiss chard, and tangy lemon, it’s a flavorful, vegan meal that’s easy to make and ideal for meal prep.
What is Adas bi Hamod?
Adas bi Hamod, which translates to “lentils in lemon,” is a classic Lebanese soup known for its simple yet nourishing ingredients. It is made with earthy lentils, vibrant Swiss chard, and a tangy infusion of lemon, creating a wholesome dish that brings together bold, rustic flavors.
Adas bi Hamod is deeply rooted in Lebanese cuisine and is frequently enjoyed during colder months or as a comforting family meal. Its humble ingredients reflect the region’s agrarian background, with lentils and greens being pantry staples for generations.
Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup is more than simply a meal; it symbolizes resourcefulness and warmth, connecting people to their heritage and the importance of healthy, sustainable cooking.
Why it’s Perfect for Chilly Days
This Swiss chard soup, with its hearty lentils, nutrient-rich greens, and a zesty kick of lemon, is the ultimate comfort on cold days.
The warmth of the cumin-spiced broth combined with the citrusy tang creates a flavor profile that relaxes and revives.
It’s nourishing, filling, and easy to digest, making it perfect to combat the chill while boosting immunity during the colder months.
Expert Tip 1
Adjust the water level to achieve your desired thickness. For a heartier soup, use less water; for a lighter version, add a little extra.
Ingredients
Swiss Chard: Use both the leaves and stems for added texture and nutrients. Finely chop the stems to ensure they cook evenly with the leaves.
Brown Lentils: They are ideal for soups as they hold their shape well. Rinse them well to remove debris.
Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for a deeper flavor and health benefits. It also complements the soup’s tangy lemon notes.
Cilantro: It brightens the dish and balances the earthy lentils. Chop just before adding to preserve its fresh, vibrant aroma.
Garlic: Mince the garlic finely for a smooth distribution of its pungent flavor. Sautéing garlic releases its sweet aroma without overpowering the taste of the soup.
Onion: It is essential for building a flavorful base. Cube them uniformly and sauté them until soft and translucent.
Lemon Juice: It is the key to achieving the soup’s signature tang. Add fresh juice at the end to brighten the soup and preserve its zesty punch.
Cumin: This warm, earthy spice enhances the lentils’ nuttiness.
Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for a mild heat and sharper flavor.
Salt: Adjust it carefully as lentils absorb flavors gradually. Taste the soup after simmering and add salt according to taste to achieve the perfect balance.
(Scroll down for recipe details.)
Expert Tip 2
Sauté garlic, onions, and cilantro until aromatic before adding them to the soup for an enhanced depth of flavor. This step builds a rich base that deepens the soup’s flavor.
How to Serve Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup
Serve Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup hot in deep bowls for a cozy, hearty meal. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice and garnish a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top to enhance its bright and earthy flavors.
Pair the soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or pita to soak up the broth. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Variations and Substitutes
Swap the Swiss Chard: Replace Swiss chard with collard greens, spinach, or kale for a milder flavor. Baby spinach goes well and requires much less cooking time. Add it toward the end of cooking to prevent over-wilting.
Add More Veggies: Include diced carrots, cubed potato, or celery for added nutrition and texture.
Spice It Up: For a spicy version, add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika. You can also enhance the flavor and color with a pinch of turmeric.
Tips and Tricks
Perfectly Cooked Lentils: To achieve tender lentils without turning them mushy, rinse thoroughly and avoid overboiling. Simmer gently until just soft but still holding their shape.
Swiss Chard Prep: Use both stems and leaves of Swiss chard for balanced textures. Chop the stems finely to ensure they cook evenly. To preserve their vibrant color, chop them finely and add as the lentils soften.
Adjust the Lemon: Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you go. For a tangier soup, use more lemon.
Meal Prep Friendly: Double the batch and store in portions for quick, healthy dinners throughout the week.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Let the adas bi hamod soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, divide the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or fresh lemon juice to revive the soup’s texture and flavor, ensuring it tastes as fresh as day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use green or red lentils, but cooking times may vary.
Reduce the water slightly or simmer longer to achieve a thicker consistency. You can also mash some lentils for a creamier texture.
Yes! Sauté the onions, garlic, and cilantro, then add lentils, water, and Swiss chard. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes and release the steam naturally.
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Must-Try Soup Recipes:
- Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup
- Hearty Instant Pot Durum Wheat Soup with Beef Shanks
- Creamy Veggie Tomato Basil Soup
- Lentil and Squash Vegan Soup Recipe
- Creamy Broccoli & Mushroom Soup
- Carrot and Sweet Potato Thai Soup
Lebanese Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup (Adas Bi Hamod)
Ingredients
- 2 bunches Swiss chard
- 1 (12 ounces) bag brown lentils
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves
- 2 medium onions, cubed
- 3 lemon, juice of
- 1½ teaspoons cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt, to taste
Instructions
- Place 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the cubed onions for 3 minutes until they turn translucent, releasing their sweetness.
- Add the chopped cilantro and minced garlic, stirring for 2 minutes to enhance their aroma. Set this mixture aside.
- Wash the lentils thoroughly in a strainer to remove any impurities. Fill a 6-quart pot three-quarters full with water and bring it to a boil. Add the rinsed lentils and partially cook them to tenderize without overcooking.
- Wash the Swiss chard thoroughly to remove grit. Chop the leaves and stems finely for even cooking.
- Once the lentils are partially cooked, add the chopped Swiss chard to the boiling pot, and stir to incorporate.
- Add the sautéed onion, garlic, and cilantro mixture. Then, add the cumin, black pepper, lemon juice, and salt.
- Lower the heat to medium and allow the soup to simmer gently for 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Taste the soup and adjust with more salt or lemon juice as needed.
Notes
- Perfectly Cooked Lentils: To achieve tender lentils without turning them mushy, rinse thoroughly and avoid overboiling. Simmer gently until just soft but still holding their shape.
- Swiss Chard Prep: Use both stems and leaves of Swiss chard for balanced textures. Chop the stems finely to ensure they cook evenly. To preserve their vibrant color, chop them finely and add as the lentils soften.
- Adjust the Lemon: Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you go. For a tangier soup, use more lemon.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Double the batch and store in portions for quick, healthy dinners throughout the week.
- Boost the Flavor: Sauté garlic, onions, and cilantro until aromatic before adding them to the soup for an enhanced depth of flavor. This step builds a rich base that deepens the soup’s flavor.
- Control the Consistency: Adjust the water level to achieve your desired thickness. For a heartier soup, use less water; for a lighter version, add a little extra.
