Red Lentil Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is delicious, but I will tell you that if you add lentils, it'll be tastier and healthier. So, for this chicken soup recipe I thought of combining the two tastes, since we really like lentil soup and I certainly couldn't do any harm. I did a first test and I was amazed by the result - absolutely delicious, beautiful and colorful. Among others, I added tomatoes (canned, diced), a little curry or turmeric (optional) and paprika. Yes, this chicken soup recipe should be noted, saved and cooked as often as possible.

Ingredients
Chicken meat
1 kg
I used only breast
Celery root
0.5 pieces
Parsnip
1 piece
Bell pepper
1 piece
White onion
2 pieces
Carrots
1 piece
Potatoes
2 pieces
Canned chopped tomatoes
200 g
or 2 fresh tomatoes, diced
Red lentils
5 tbsp
green / brown lentils can also be used
Sweet paprika
1 tsp
Curcuma/turmeric
0.5 tsp
or curry - both are optional
Chopped parsley
3 tbsp
Vegetable oil
50 ml
Salt
1 tbsp
adjust to taste
Laurel leaves
2 pieces
Step by step
Step 1

In a large 5 liter pot, place the chicken breasts (cut into 2-3 pieces each).

Add in celery root, parsley root, 1 pepper and 1 onion - this is to make the soup even tastier and more flavorful, but, normally, one onion would be enough.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 1
Step 2

Pour about 3 liters of water and place the pot over heat.

When it comes to the boil, skim off the foam.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 2
Step 3

I also add two bay leaves, that's what my grandmother and mother used to do, that's what I do.

Now make a low heat and let the meat simmer together with the roots for 1 hour. If the chicken was older, cook until the meat is soft.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 3
Step 4

After an hour, remove the roots, peppers and onions from the soup. I drain well and discard, they have released their flavor in the soup and I no longer use them.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 4
Step 5

Now add the potatoes and the carrots, medium dice, to the pot.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 5
Step 6

Wash the lentils thoroughly, 2-3 times, and add to the pot.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 6
Step 7

Mix well and let simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 7
Step 8

Meanwhile, cut 1 onion into small cubes, place in a pan with a little oil.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 8
Step 9

When it browns slightly, add paprika and, optionally, turmeric or curry - they will give the soup a special aroma and color but, if you don't have or you don't like, you can skip.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 9
Step 10

Mix well and let the spices cook for 10-20 seconds, no more. Otherwise, they burn and change their taste.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 10
Step 11

Now add diced tomatoes. Usually, when it's not their season, I use canned chopped tomatoes.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 11
Step 12

Mix well and cook everything for another 2-3 minutes.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 12
Step 13

Transfer this pan mixture to the soup pot and stir well.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 13
Step 14

Now, if the potatoes and lentils are done, add salt, chopped parsley and mix the soup well.

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 14
Step 15

Turn off heat, put the lid on and let infuse for 20-30 minutes before serving.

You can make diet soup, in which case you won't fry the vegetables - it will still be good, but maybe not as colorful. To do this, just boil everything together: the roots, the meat, the diced tomatoes and the oil. They will all cook at the same time and the taste will be just as good.

Enjoy!

Red Lentil Chicken Soup - Step 15
Quantity: 4 l (10-12 servings)
Prep time:
90 min
Difficulty: easy
Ready in: 15 min