Description
Spiced Chicken Lentil Soup with Hearty Veggies is a warm, nourishing, and immune-boosting one-pot meal combining tender chicken, protein-rich red lentils, and a colorful medley of vegetables. Enhanced by aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon, this soup strikes the perfect balance between comforting flavor and healthful nutrition, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Proteins
- Chicken breast or thighs – 1 lb (about 450g), diced
- Red lentils – 1 cup, rinsed thoroughly
Vegetables
- Carrots – 2 medium, diced
- Celery stalks – 2, diced
- Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves – 3, minced
- Tomatoes – 2 medium, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- Spinach or kale – 2 cups fresh, roughly chopped
Spices
- Cumin – 1 tsp
- Turmeric – 1 tsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Cinnamon – 1/4 tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Liquids & Oils
- Chicken broth or stock – 4 cups (960 ml)
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Finely chop onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté these ingredients until soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes, forming the flavorful base of the soup.
- Add spices and toast them: Sprinkle cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon into the pot. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to toast the spices, which releases their essential oils and aroma.
- Brown the chicken: Add diced chicken breast or thighs to the pot. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides to lock in the flavors and juices.
- Combine lentils, tomatoes, and broth: Stir in rinsed red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 20 minutes until lentils are tender and soup thickens slightly.
- Add greens and season: Stir in fresh spinach or kale and allow to wilt for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust spices as desired to brighten or warm the flavor.
Notes
- Use homemade chicken stock if possible for deeper flavor.
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove dust and reduce foam during cooking.
- Add leafy greens at the last minute to keep their vibrant color and nutrients intact.
- Chop vegetables evenly for uniform cooking and balanced texture.
- Letting the soup rest overnight enhances flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: spiced chicken lentil soup, immune boosting soup, healthy chicken soup, one pot meal, hearty lentil soup, gluten free soup, protein packed soup
