Ingredients and Weight:
- 2 cups dried lentils
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems and leaves chopped (about 4 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes in Instant Pot
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add olive oil.
- Add the chopped chard and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the chard starts to shrink.
- Add the lentils, oregano, cumin, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 20 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes before opening the lid.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chard or oregano on top.
Nutritional Information:
(Please note: The calorie count will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approx. 250 calories per serving (based on using low-sodium broth and moderate oil)
- Fat: Approx. 8g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 35g
- Protein: Approx. 18g
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and creamy soup with a hint of Middle Eastern flavors.
- Lentils provide a hearty texture while the chard adds a fresh, green note.
- Easy to customize with additional spices or protein, such as chicken or beef, if desired.
User Comments:
- "This soup was a hit! My family loved the combination of flavors and the creaminess from the lentils."
- "I added some ground chicken to this recipe and it turned out really tasty. A great way to use up leftover cooked chicken."
- "I love how easy this recipe is to make in the Instant Pot. It's a great weeknight meal that tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- Sauté the chard and garlic until the chard starts to shrink to enhance its flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning at the end, according to your preference for saltiness and spiciness.
