Discover the delightful fusion of flavors in our "Swiss Chard with Lentils and Khlea," a Middle Eastern-inspired dish that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart! This vibrant recipe combines the earthy richness of lentils with the fresh, leafy goodness of Swiss chard, all elevated by the unique, spiced essence of khlea. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure that promises to impress? Let’s dive into the details of this wholesome and hearty meal!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons khlea (spiced preserved meat)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Rinse lentils thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or small stones, then drain and set aside.
- Wash Swiss chard carefully, separate leaves from stems. Chop stems into small pieces and roughly chop leaves, keeping them separate.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the onions, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chopped Swiss chard stems to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add rinsed lentils. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 25-30 minutes.
- When lentils are almost tender, add chopped Swiss chard leaves and stir gently to incorporate. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. The lentils should be soft but not mushy, and the chard leaves wilted and tender.
- Crumble khlea over the top of the dish just before serving, which will add a rich, spiced meat flavor to the vegetarian base.
- Serve hot in individual bowls, ensuring each portion has a good mix of lentils, chard, and khlea.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse your lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris. This ensures a clean and flavorful base for your dish.
- Chop Swiss Chard Properly: Don’t forget to separate the stems from the leaves! The stems take longer to cook, so adding them earlier allows for a perfect texture balance.
- Sauté for Flavor: Make sure to sauté the onions and garlic until they're fragrant. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the entire dish.
- Simmer Gently: When adding the vegetable broth and lentils, bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat. A slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! The perfect amount of salt and pepper can elevate your dish, so adjust according to your preference.
- Khlea Magic: For the best flavor, crumble the khlea over the dish just before serving. This will ensure it retains its unique texture and spiced flavor, adding a delightful contrast to the soft lentils and chard.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the dish hot in individual bowls, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
