Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 1/2 cups chopped peeled carrots
3 cloves garlic , minced
2 1/2 teaspoons cumin
10 cups low sodium chicken broth or 10 cups vegetable broth
2/3 cup pearl barley
1 can diced tomatoes with juice
2/3 cup dried lentils
4 cups packed coarsely chopped swiss chard ( about 1/2 large bunch )
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
freshly grated parmesan cheese ( optional )
Barley and Lentil Soup With Swiss Chard is a hearty and healthy soup that is perfect for cold winter days. This soup is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of vegetables, lentils, and spices. It is easy to prepare and takes less than an hour to make. Plus, it makes for great leftovers.

Instructions

1.Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2.Add onions, carrots, garlic, and cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3.Add broth, barley, and tomatoes with their juice, bring to a boil.
4.Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
5.Add lentils; cover and simmer until lentils and barley are tender, about 30 minutes.
6.Stir in chard and dill, and season soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
7.Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

PROS

This soup is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber from the vegetables and lentils.
It is also filling and satisfying while being low in calories and fat.
Plus, it’s easy and affordable to make.

CONS

The only downside is that it requires a bit of time and patience to make, as you need to simmer it for a while to let the flavors meld together.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This soup is perfect for those looking to eat healthy, lose weight, or get more plant-based protein in their diet. It is low in calories and fat, while being high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The lentils provide a good source of protein, iron, and folate, while the swiss chard is a great source of vitamins K, A, and C.

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