Chicken and Red Lentil Soup With Lemony Yogurt Delight Recipe
A comforting and nutritious Chicken and Red Lentil Soup featuring smoky charred onions and garlic, accented with turmeric and fresh herbs. This hearty soup blends tender chicken and protein-rich lentils into a creamy texture, topped with optional kale, a soft-boiled egg, and a drizzle of spicy chile oil for an extra flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 bowl red lentils
- 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs (or leftover rotisserie chicken)
- 1 charred onion
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 pinch turmeric
- 1 dose black pepper
- Fresh dill, to taste
- Fresh parsley, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Hearty greens such as kale or spinach, chopped
- 1 soft-boiled egg
- Drizzle of chile oil
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Gather and prep all ingredients by chopping the onion and peeling the garlic cloves.
- Char the Onions and Garlic: Heat a pot over medium heat, add the chopped onion and whole garlic cloves, cooking until they develop a beautiful char to impart a sweet, smoky flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in a pinch of turmeric and the red lentils into the pot. Pour in enough water or broth to fully cover the lentils, then gently stir.
- Add Chicken and Simmer: Place the chicken pieces into the pot and cook uncovered over medium heat for approximately 25-30 minutes, until the lentils are tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup to your preferred consistency, whether smooth or slightly chunky.
- Return Chicken and Season: Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, season with black pepper, and stir in fresh dill and parsley for brightness and color before serving.
- Optional Garnishes: Stir in hearty greens like kale or spinach for added nutrition, and top servings with a soft-boiled egg and a drizzle of chile oil to elevate flavor and richness.
Notes
- Using leftover rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor.
- Adjust the consistency of the soup by blending less for a chunkier texture or more for a creamy finish.
- The char on onions and garlic creates a smoky depth that’s key to the flavor profile.
- Optional toppings like soft-boiled egg and chile oil add richness and spice if desired.
- Hearty greens are optional but recommended for added nutrients and color.
Keywords: chicken soup, red lentil soup, healthy soup, turmeric soup, comfort food, Mediterranean chicken soup, easy dinner, protein-rich soup
