…it’s time for monSOUP…
pitachick lentil n swiss chard soup
So the weather outside is frightful but the fire inside is not in your fireplace but on ur stove…I say even if it’s 90 degrees outside it’s time for soup. Turn up ur AC to high throw on a scarf n snuggle up to a hot bowl of delicious comfort…
1 lb bag of brown lentils (rinse n drain)
about 10 cups of water
1/4 cup of olive oil
1 large yellow onion (rustic dice) rustic = large (rustic sounds better)
1 garlic bunch about 10-12 cloves (half rustic chop…other half mashed/super fine chop)
1 bunch cilantro (washed/dry fine chop)
1 bunch swiss chard leaves (rustic chop) stems (fine chop) make sure to wash n dry swiss chard
2 teaspoons salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin (this “helps” relieve the gas in lentils…so they say?!…I don’t know who “they” are but my mom believes everything they say)
juice of 2 lemons
sumac (maroon colored spice that’s tangy…mediterranean market)
pita chip pieces for garnish
u can also garnish w freshly chopped cilantro if you love this herb like I do
if you love a little or a lot of heat add cayenne pepper (your call. . .you’re the boss)
In a large pot on medium-high heat drizzle olive oil, sauté onions, swiss chard stems (not leaves) salt and black pepper for a couple mins
Add rustic chop garlic continue sauté for couple more mins
Add lentils and incorporate with sauté
Turn up heat add water and bring to boil
Reduce heat to low cover w lid and simmer for about 30 mins
Add swiss chard leaves and simmer for about 20 mins more
Right before you turn off heat add cilantro and the other half of garlic (mashed/super find chop)
Simmer for couple more mins (this gives the soup a pow wow of more layered flavors. . . .I promise)
Lastly add lemon juice and get ready to enjoy something delicious and super good for you
Ladle into soup bowl, garnish with pita chip pieces and sprinkle some sumac
Serve w lemon wedges on the side just in case someone didn’t get enough tart action
Enjoy my friends…comment me with any questions 😉