You’re sure to feel cosy and warm inside after a bowl of this lentil and greens soup! You can use whatever your favourite dark leafy greens are, or whatever is in currently season. Makes 4 portions, served with bread, or two if you are really hungry and skipping the carbs! Feel free to add some potatoes for a heartier soup.
1cupbrown lentils,rinsed (250 g) (I like German Berg-Linsen or Bernsteinlinsen)
4generous handfuls kale, spinach or Swiss chard, hard stems removed and chopped (approx. 100 g)
1small bunch flat leaf parsley,chopped
1tablespoonfreshly chopped mint
juice from 1/2 a lemon,plus more for serving
fresh breadfor serving
Method
Place the dried mushrooms in a bowl, cover with 185 ml hot water and soak for 15 minutes. When mushrooms are soft, remove from water, squeeze out any excess water into the bowl, and set aside for later. Finely chop the rehydrated mushrooms. If gritty, the reserved soaking liquid may need straining.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot, and saute for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Season with salt, then add the carrot, garlic and thyme to the pot and stir. Once the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds, add the chopped porcini mushrooms, white wine and soya sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring regularly.
Now add the broth. Raise the heat to high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil; add the lentils. Cook for 1 minute, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook, partially covered, for 30 minutes or until the lentils are al dente.
Add greens and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the chopped mint, parsley and juice from 1/2 a medium lemon. Remove from the heat and let sit covered for a 1-2 minutes. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or lemon juice, as desired.
Serve into bowls and enjoy with a slice of ciabatta or your favorite rustic bread.
Notes
I like a combination of spinach and Swiss chard leaves. Feel free to add a potato or two (diced) for a more hearty soup.
Both French green puy lentils and common brown lentils are delicious in this soup.