Garlicky Lentil Soup with Swiss Chard and Lemon ~ Vegan

Garlicky Lentil Soup With Swiss Chard

The onion and garlic mixture might tempt you to eat just that.  Do not overcook the soup as the ingredients loose flavor.  

Ingredients:           

1/2 cup brown or green whole lentils
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cups finely diced yellow onion
Few grinds black pepper
1/8 teaspoon coriander
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch Swiss Chard, cleaned, trimmed, and chopped into 1-inch     

   pieces
3/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons unbleached all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions 

In a 2- or 3-quart soup pot, bring lentils, 4 cups water, and ½ teaspoon of salt to boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, just until lentils are tender, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, the coriander, and pepper. Sauté until very soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 2 minutes. 

Add the Swiss chard mixture to the lentils, stir in the lemon juice, and heat through for just a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve warm, but not piping hot, for best flavor. Top bowls of soup with chopped cilantro.   Serves 4