This nourishing chicken lentil soup delivers a robust and satisfying experience, blending tender chicken with wholesome lentils and a touch of vibrant Latin-inspired seasoning. It serves as an ideal choice for chilly evenings when you crave something warm and filling to soothe the soul.
Cozy Chicken and Lentil Soup Delight
Preparing this chicken lentil soup is straightforward, cost-effective, and deeply gratifying. As a child, lentils were among the first legumes that captured my palate, evolving into one of my most cherished comfort dishes. My mother often prepared a comparable soup featuring carrots and celery, and given my selective tastes back then, she would blend mine into a smooth puree. These days, I relish the substantial, textured consistency that defines this chicken lentil soup variation.
Reasons This Chicken Lentil Soup Becomes a Staple
For many years, this healthful chicken lentil soup has been a fixture in my kitchen repertoire. My family adores it—even my daughter Madison enjoyed it during her toddler phase! Incorporating lentils into soups appeals to me because they require far less cooking time compared to dried beans, and even a modest quantity stretches to feed a crowd generously. For a denser version, consider reducing the water slightly and ladling it over steamed rice for an enhanced meal.
- Nutrient-dense lentils: These remarkable legumes offer complex carbohydrates brimming with protein and soluble fiber. They maintain low fat levels while boasting an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B and folate, plus roughly double the iron content found in many other legumes.
- Convenient one-pot preparation: All components simmer harmoniously in a single vessel, simplifying cleanup while delivering a profoundly satiating dish that stands alone without sides.
- Economical choice: Opting for dried lentils provides an inexpensive method to boost protein and fiber intake in your daily cooking.
- Ideal for meal preparation: The taste profile intensifies beautifully after refrigeration, making it perfect for batch cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Lentil Soup
Assembling this chicken lentil soup involves just a handful of simple procedures that yield impressive results.
- Incorporate the aromatics: As the chicken simmers, take the time to finely chop the onion, scallions, cilantro, garlic, and tomato—using a food chopper makes this effortless. Introduce this aromatic blend into the pot alongside garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and annatto for layers of flavor.
- Continue simmering: Place a lid on the pot and allow it to cook for an additional 25 minutes or so, until the lentils achieve perfect tenderness. Should the mixture thicken excessively, introduce more water gradually to attain the consistency you prefer.
- Final adjustments and serving: Sample the soup and fine-tune the salt level to your liking right before presenting it at the table.
Expert Tips from the Test Kitchen
- Proper lentil preparation: Before cooking, always rinse your lentils thoroughly and inspect them for any tiny stones or debris—a precaution I’ve learned the hard way more than once!
- Consistency control: Note that this soup will naturally thicken upon standing. When reheating, incorporate additional water or broth to restore the ideal texture.
- Essential seasonings: The cumin and annatto are non-negotiable, infusing the dish with its distinctive Latin essence that elevates it beyond ordinary lentil soups.
Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe
This robust chicken lentil soup bursts with flavor and comes together with minimal effort. It stands as a wholesome, protein-rich option tailored for those crisp, cool days that call for heartwarming fare.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 or more
Serving size: 1 1/3 cups
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried lentils
- 12 oz (3) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, excess fat removed
- 8 cups water
- 1 tbsp chicken Better than Bouillon
- 1 small onion
- 2 scallions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 medium ripe tomato
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground annatto, or substitute with Spanish paprika or sazon
- Salt, to taste
Nutritional Information
Serving: 1 1/3 cup | Calories: 263 kcal | Carbohydrates: 40 g | Protein: 23.5 g | Fat: 3 g | Saturated Fat: 0.5 g | Cholesterol: 40 mg | Sodium: 503.5 mg | Fiber: 6.5 g | Sugar: 1.5 g
Recipe Variations
- Incorporate diced carrots or celery to introduce additional vegetables and texture.
- Fold in fresh spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for a boost of leafy greens.
- Experiment with smoked paprika to impart a gentle smoky undertone.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to enhance brightness and acidity.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
- Refrigerator storage: Keep the soup in an airtight container where it will remain fresh for up to 4 days.
- Freezer storage: Portion into airtight containers or freezer bags and store for as long as 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight prior to reheating.
- Reheating instructions: Gently heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, thinning with water or broth as necessary—the lentils will continue absorbing liquid, resulting in a thicker consistency over time.
