Adas Bis Silq – Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup

One of our readers, Fortuna F, from Los Angeles, sent in this recipe and photo for what promises to be a superb and easy to prepare soup:

Adas Bis Silq

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups brown lentils
• 6 cups cold water
• 10 leaves Swiss chard
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• lemon wedges for serving

Directions

1. Wash lentils well and place in a heavy pan with the cold water. Bring to a boil, skimming as needed, cover and simmer gently for 1 hour or until lentils are soft.
2. Was Swiss chard well and cut off stems. Cut leaves down the middle, then shred coarsely.
3. Heat oil in a separate pa, add onion and fry slowly until it becomes transparent. Stir in garlic and cook for another 15 seconds.
4. Add shredded Swiss chard to pan and fry, stirring often, until leaves wilt.
5. Pour onion and Swiss chard mixture into the lentils. Add coriander, salt pepper to taste, then add the lemon juice. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Serve soup in deep plates with lemon wedgrs for squeezing into soup according to the individual’s taste. It goes perfectly with any Middle Eastern bread.

Enjoy, gentle reader, enjoy!

CS