Rishtayeh (lentil, swiss chard, and noodle soup)

I was always ambivalent about lentils as a kid but the noodles in this dish persuaded me otherwise. This soup is hearty and rich with fiber and protein from the lentils, nourishing from the swiss chard, and comforting with the noodles. It is a light and clean soup that always feels grounding in the wintertime. If you’re feeling under the weather but bored of chicken noodle soup, give this a try. Once you make this soup, squeeze some lemon atop it and serve alongside some crusty bread. My photo of the soup shows the gluten-free version.

Ingredients:

• small brown lentils (2 cups)

• pasta (1/2 cup - any style you like)

  • Note: If you want to make this gluten free, use 2 tbsp of basmati rice instead. If using rice, wash and cook it with the lentils as described below.

• swiss chard (3 bunches)

  • Note: separate the leaves from the stems; chop the leaves into 1 inch pieces, and trim and chop the stems into 1/2 inch pieces.

• garlic (1 small head - minced)

• yellow onion (1 large - finely chopped)

• cilantro (1 bunch - finely chopped)

• salt and pepper, to taste

Recipe:

• Wash the lentils very well and strain. Place them in a large pot with 14 cups of water. Bring to a boil and let the lentils boil for 15-20 minutes with lid on.

  • Note: If you have a lid with a steam vent, that is best. Otherwise, tilt your lid a bit when boiling the lentils.

• Once your lentils soften, add in the chopped swiss chard and boil together with the lid half off for 30 minutes.

• While the lentils and swiss chard are boiling, sauté your onions and once softened, add in your garlic and cilantro and sauté for another 5 minutes. Add in salt and pepper (enough to season the soup) and set aside.

  • Note: Be mindful not to brown or burn the mixture, just sautee until slightly golden.

• Place the sautéd onion, garlic, and cilantro mixture in the soup and boil for 5 minutes.

• Add in the pasta and simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the soup has enough salt and pepper.

• Serve the soup with a slice of lemon and toasted bread on the side and enjoy!