This hearty chicken and lentil soup, paired with aromatic garlic herb bread, is a delicious and filling meal perfect for any occasion. Follow these steps to create a rich and flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends.
Preparation Time:
- Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep: 30 minutes
- Cook: 1 hour
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 chicken leg with thigh
- Water (enough to fill the pot)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 onion, chopped
- Olive oil (for frying)
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 4 potatoes, chopped
- 150 g lentils, rinsed well
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For the Garlic Herb Bread:
- Bread (your choice)
- Dill, chopped
- Parsley, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Spice mix (to taste)
Directions:
Prepare the Soup:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place the chicken leg with thigh in a pot and fill it with water.
- Add salt and bring to a boil.
- Skim off the foam that forms on top.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the meat is done.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and fry until translucent.
- Add the chopped carrot and fry for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chopped red pepper and fry for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomato, 1 teaspoon of tomato paste, and black pepper to taste. Cook until the vegetables are tender and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Cut the chicken into slices.
- Add the chopped potatoes to the boiling broth.
- Add the rinsed lentils and skim off any foam that forms.
- Let the soup cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Finish the Soup:
- Add the sliced chicken and the fried vegetables to the pot.
- Add 2 bay leaves and cook the soup for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add fresh parsley and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Prepare the Garlic Herb Bread:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the bread in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
- Make the Garlic Herb Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix together the chopped dill, parsley, 3 minced garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, and spice mix.
- Finish the Bread:
- Remove the bread from the oven and spread the garlic herb mixture over the top.
- The bread is now ready to serve!
Serve:
- Serve the hot chicken and lentil soup with the aromatic garlic herb bread on the side.
- Enjoy this delicious, rich, and filling meal!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this soup with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- The garlic herb bread pairs perfectly with the soup and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure to skim off the foam while cooking the chicken and lentils to keep the broth clear.
- You can add other vegetables like celery or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrition.
Nutritional Benefits:
- This soup is rich in protein from the chicken and lentils.
- It also provides a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the vegetables.
Dietary Information:
- This recipe contains meat. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.
- It is gluten-free if served without the bread or with gluten-free bread.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- This hearty soup is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying meal.
- The combination of chicken, lentils, and vegetables creates a rich and nutritious dish.
- The garlic herb bread is aromatic and pairs beautifully with the soup.
Conclusion:
Hearty Chicken and Lentil Soup with Garlic Herb Bread is a delicious and filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones!