Lebanese Lentil And Swiss Chard Soup


A simple, fairly quick recipe to enjoy as the nights grow cooler. and as na*me tag gets busier! ;)

Steps


Spread the lentils on a platter and pick them clean of any impurities.
Rinse & drain.
Put the lentils and water in a large saucepan and place over a high heat.
Bring to the boil , reduce the heat to medium , cover the pan , and boil gently for 30 - 45 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
While the lentils are cooking , wash the swiss chard , trim the dirty bottom ends of the stalks , if any , and chop into thin strips about 1 / 2-inch wide.
Add to the lentils & simmer another 5-10 minutes until the chard has softened.
Peel the garlic cloves , chop them coarsely , and put them in a mortar.
Add a generous pinch of salt to absorb the juices released from the crushed garlic and pound with a pestle until you have a smooth paste.
You could squeeze the garlic with a garlic crusher but the texture and taste of pounded garlic is nicer.
Slowly incorporate the lemon juice into the garlic paste , then the olive oil.
When the lentils and chard are done , stir the garlic mixture into.

Ingredients


green lentil, fresh swiss chard, water, garlic cloves, salt, lemons, juice of, extra virgin olive oil