Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Lentil Chicken Soup combining tender shredded chicken, red lentils, and aromatic spices simmered in a rich tomato and chicken broth base. This comforting soup is perfect for a nourishing meal with a balance of protein and fiber, enhanced by the freshness of cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dry red lentils
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded chicken
Garnish
- Cilantro, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spices become fragrant and the onion mixture is fully coated with the tomato paste.
- Simmer Soup: Add the dry red lentils, sliced carrots, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the lentils and carrots are soft, approximately 20 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Serve: Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through. Serve the soup topped with fresh cilantro if desired for a bright and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For extra richness, use homemade chicken broth.
- Red lentils cook relatively quickly and break down to thicken the soup; do not rinse them before cooking to retain flavor.
- Adjust the salt and spices to taste as personal preference varies.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
Keywords: lentil chicken soup, red lentils, chicken soup, healthy soup, Mediterranean soup, easy soup recipe
Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/lentil-chicken-soup-recipe/
