Chicken and lentil soup
Warm up with this flavorful Chicken and Lentil Soup! Packed with tender chicken, zesty spices like turmeric and cumin, and wholesome ingredients including lentils, barley, and fresh vegetables, this hearty soup is perfect for a nutritious and delicious meal. A touch of lime juice and Greek yogurt adds a refreshing twist, while coriander leaves give it an aromatic finish. Ready in under an hour, it's an easy and healthy option for any day of the week. Gluten-free and customizable to your taste!
- 23 Mar 2025
- Cook time 45 min
- Prep time 10 min
- 4 Servings
- 15 Ingredients
Chicken and lentil soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the succulent taste of chicken. Enhanced with spices like turmeric and cumin, this soup is not only nutritious but also packed with vibrant flavors. Whether you're looking to warm up on a cold day or simply enjoy a wholesome meal, this chicken and lentil soup is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Aromatics:
- Add the minced garlic and finely chopped red hot chili peppers to the pot.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot.
- Cook until the chicken pieces are browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the 1 tsp turmeric powder and 2 tsp ground cumin.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes.
- Mix well to ensure the spices and tomatoes are evenly distributed and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the 1/2 cup of canned lentils and 2 tablespoons of pearl barley.
- Pour in the 6 cups of chicken gravy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is cooked and the flavors are well blended.
- Stir in the 2 tablespoons of lime juice.
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top each bowl with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Chicken and Lentil Soup!
Tips:
- For an extra depth of flavor, cook the chicken breasts in the olive oil first until browned, then set aside and continue with the onions and garlic.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the chicken back in.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best taste; it adds a zesty kick that elevates the flavors of the soup.
- Feel free to adjust the chili peppers based on your heat tolerance. De-seeding them can reduce some of the spiciness.
- If you don't have pearl barley, you can substitute it with quinoa or rice for a different texture.
- Make sure to rinse the canned lentils thoroughly to remove any excess sodium and to improve taste.
Once finished, your chicken and lentil soup will be a delightful combination of rich flavors and comforting textures. The blend of spices, tender chicken, and nutritious lentils makes for a wholesome meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Garnish with coriander leaves and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a refreshing touch. Enjoy this delicious, nutritious soup with family and friends!
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 490 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 320kcal | 16% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 20g | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 36g | 10% |
| Fiber 5g | 14% |
| Sugar 6g | 6% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 18g | 20% |
| Saturated 3.48g | 12% |
| Cholesterol 60mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 30ug | 3% |
| Choline 80mg | 14% |
| Vitamin B1 0.24mg | 20% |
| Vitamin B2 0.35mg | 27% |
| Vitamin B3 8mg | 48% |
| Vitamin B6 0.81mg | 48% |
| Vitamin B9 77ug | 19% |
| Vitamin B12 0.18ug | 8% |
| Vitamin C 36mg | 41% |
| Vitamin E 1.03mg | 7% |
| Vitamin K 12ug | 10% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 80mg | 6% |
| Copper, Cu 0.26mg | 29% |
| Iron, Fe 3.60mg | 33% |
| Magnesium, Mg 60mg | 14% |
| Phosphorus, P 300mg | 24% |
| Potassium, K 690mg | 20% |
| Selenium, Se 20ug | 35% |
| Sodium, Na 1200mg | 80% |
| Zinc, Zn 1.47mg | 13% |
| Water | |
| Water 410g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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