Lentil Soup with Chard and Lemon

Recipe by: James Beard | from James Beard's American Cookery

Cookstr

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Total Time: Half Day

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Inexpensive

Photo by: Joseph De Leo

A Syrian version of lentil soup, found in Virginia, where there is a Middle Eastern community.

INGREDIENTS

1½ cups lentils
2½ pounds fresh Swiss chard
½ cup olive oil
¾ cup chopped onion
3 to 4 garlic cloves
Salt
1 stalk celery, chopped
¾ cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon flour
Chopped chives (for garnish)

Directions

Wash and pick over the lentils. Cover them with fresh cold water, and cook, covered, until tender. Wash the Swiss chard leaves and chop them. Add these and a cup of water to the lentils. Continue cooking until the Swiss chard is done, adding more water if necessary. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and add the chopped onion. Crush the garlic cloves with salt, and add these and the chopped celery to the onion. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and blended. Add to the lentil mixture. Mix the lemon juice with the flour and stir it into the soup. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the soup is rather thick. Taste for seasoning.

Serve chilled with chopped chives in soup bowls, and pass crusty French or Italian bread to sop up the juices.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

This recipe serves 6, and includes 1/2 teaspoon of added salt.

Calories 385kcal (19%)

Calcium 135mg (14%)

Vitamin C 75mg (125%)

Vitamin A 576mcg RAE (19%)

Potassium 1260mg

Magnesium 215mg

Protein 16g

Sugar 5g