Lebanese Chard and Lentil Soup (Adas bi Hamod): A Flavorful Vegan Delight

Craving a hearty, healthy, and utterly delicious soup? Look no further than this Lebanese Chard and Lentil Soup, known as Adas bi Hamod. This vibrant vegan soup is packed with nutrients, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch any day of the week. The combination of earthy lentils, slightly bitter chard, and a tangy lemon dressing creates a truly unforgettable taste experience. This recipe is a staple in Lebanese cuisine and is sure to become a favorite in your home as well.

Why You’ll Love This Lebanese Chard and Lentil Soup

• Flavorful and Authentic: This recipe captures the traditional flavors of Lebanese cuisine, with the perfect balance of earthy, tangy, and herbaceous notes.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lentils, chard, and wholesome ingredients, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse, providing protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a great source of iron and antioxidants.
• Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly: This soup is naturally vegan and vegetarian, making it a great option for those following plant-based diets.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this soup is surprisingly easy to prepare. Most of the cooking time is hands-off.
• Budget-Friendly: Lentils and chard are both relatively inexpensive, making this soup a budget-friendly meal option.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences. Add more lemon juice for extra tanginess, or include other vegetables like carrots or potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these essential ingredients:

• 1 cup Brown or Green Lentils: Brown or green lentils are the most commonly used types in this soup. Red lentils will work but will result in a mushier soup. Be sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking.
• 1 large bunch Chard: Look for fresh, vibrant chard with firm stalks and unblemished leaves. Rainbow chard adds a beautiful visual element, but any type of chard will work.
• 1 large Onion: A yellow or white onion will provide a good base flavor for the soup.
• 4-6 cloves Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the soup. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and adds richness to the soup.
• 8 cups Vegetable Broth: Vegetable broth provides the liquid base for the soup. You can also use water, but vegetable broth adds more flavor.
• 1/4 cup Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the tangy flavor that is characteristic of this soup. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• 1/4 cup chopped Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the soup. If you don’t like cilantro, you can substitute parsley.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the soup.
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the soup. Adjust the amount to your preference, or omit if you prefer a milder soup.
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Season the soup to your liking with salt and black pepper.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make a perfect pot of Lebanese Chard and Lentil Soup:

1. Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove any debris and help to prevent the soup from becoming cloudy.
2. Prepare the Chard: Wash the chard thoroughly. Separate the leaves from the stems. Chop the stems into small pieces and the leaves into bite-sized pieces. The stems take longer to cook than the leaves, so it’s important to chop them separately.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still slightly firm.
5. Add the Chard Stems: Add the chopped chard stems to the soup and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until they are tender.
6. Add the Chard Leaves: Add the chopped chard leaves to the soup and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until they are wilted. Be careful not to overcook the chard leaves, as they will become mushy.
7. Finish the Soup: Stir in the lemon juice and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve hot with pita bread or a side salad.

Tips for Making the Best Lebanese Chard and Lentil Soup

• Don’t Overcook the Lentils: Overcooked lentils will make the soup mushy. Cook them until they are tender but still slightly firm.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will provide the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can taste artificial and acidic.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or celery. Use different herbs like parsley or mint. Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Make It Spicy: If you like spicy food, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use a Good Quality Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil will add a richer flavor to the soup.
• Let the Soup Simmer: Simmering the soup for a longer period of time will allow the flavors to meld together and deepen.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Gently: Reheat the soup gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling the soup, as this can make it mushy.
• Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

Here are some variations and substitutions you can try to customize this soup to your liking:

• Use different types of lentils: While brown or green lentils are traditional, you can also use red lentils, but be aware that they will cook more quickly and may make the soup mushier. Black lentils (beluga lentils) also work well and hold their shape better.
• Add other vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, celery, zucchini, and spinach are all great additions to this soup.
• Use different herbs: Parsley, mint, dill, and oregano are all delicious alternatives to cilantro.
• Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon, allspice, or turmeric can add a warm, aromatic flavor to the soup.
• Make it creamy: For a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the lemon juice and cilantro. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream to each bowl before serving.
• Add protein: For a heartier soup, you can add cooked chicken, beef, or sausage.
• Make it gluten-free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free vegetable broth.
• Make it oil-free: Sauté the vegetables in water or vegetable broth instead of olive oil.

Serving Suggestions

This Lebanese Chard and Lentil Soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Pita Bread: Serve with warm pita bread for dipping and scooping.
• Lebanese Salad (Fattoush or Tabbouleh): A refreshing Lebanese salad like Fattoush or Tabbouleh complements the soup perfectly.
• Hummus and Baba Ghanoush: Serve with hummus and baba ghanoush for a complete Lebanese meal.
• Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges for those who want to add extra tanginess to their soup.
• Yogurt: A dollop of plain yogurt adds a creamy and cooling element to the soup.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 250-300
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fiber: 10-15g
• Fat: 10-15g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used.

FAQ About Lebanese Chard and Lentil Soup

Q: Can I use canned lentils?

A: While fresh lentils are preferred, you can use canned lentils in a pinch. Be sure to rinse them well before adding them to the soup. Reduce the cooking time accordingly, as canned lentils are already cooked.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), and chard stems to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the chard leaves during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir in the lemon juice and cilantro before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?

A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?

A: This soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use spinach instead of chard?

A: Yes, you can use spinach instead of chard. Add the spinach during the last few minutes of cooking, as it wilts very quickly.

Q: What if I don’t have vegetable broth?

A: You can use water instead of vegetable broth, but the soup will be less flavorful. You can also use chicken broth if you’re not vegan or vegetarian.

Enjoy Your Homemade Lebanese Chard and Lentil Soup!

This Lebanese Chard and Lentil Soup is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that is sure to become a family favorite. With its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s the perfect way to nourish your body and soul. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and enjoy a taste of Lebanon in your own kitchen!