German-style mountain lentil and swiss chard soup (also Berglinsen Suppe) – easy, hearty and delicious soup with swiss chard, German mountain lentils and handful of herbs and spices. Vegetarian. Kid-approved.
With fall season approaching here in Southeast Europe, I find myself day dreaming about upcoming winter and snow. With that come hearty and filling soups and stews. When I first made this soup it was soft of what I had in the pantry and fridge kind of meal. To my surprise my kids loved it, so it became a regular on the menu (when ingredients are in season that is).
FUN FACTS: In Germany, “Mountain Lentils” (“Berglinsen” in German) refer to a specific variety of lentils that are often grown in higher altitudes, usually in more mountainous regions. They are smaller and firmer compared to other lentil varieties and are known for their earthy, nutty flavor. Mountain lentils are popular in Swabia, a region in southern Germany, where they are used in traditional dishes like Linsen mit Spätzle (lentils with Swabian noodles), which is often served with sausages or smoked meat.
These lentils can retain their shape better after cooking, making them ideal for salads, stews, or hearty soups. Due to their robust taste, they are commonly enjoyed in rustic, home-style German cuisine.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Mountain lentils (Berglinsen) – the brand I use is called Alnatura Berglinsen. You can use whatever lentils you like, but better choose a variety with a harder outer layer, so it does not get mushy during cooking.
- Swiss chard, minced
- Carrot, shredded
- Onion, minced
- Red bell pepper, chopped
- Thin egg noodles, or more
- Vegetable oil – olive oil or whatever you have on hand
- Spices: Cumin powder, sweet paprika, turmeric powder, fresh parsley, minced
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Water (broth) for soup, can be adjusted
How to cook Mountain lentil soup?
1st: Chop veggies, shred carrots and sauté in some oil.
2nd: Add water (broth), lentils and noodles. Bring to a boil, then simmer until almost cook. Season with spices.
What to serve with Swiss Chard lentil soup?
A salad or a vegetable side always looks appealing:
German Mountain lentil and swiss chard soup (Berglinsen Suppe)
Ingredients
- 200 g mountain lentils (Berglinsen)
- 150 g swiss chard, minced
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1 onion, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp. thin egg noodles, or more
- 1 liter water (broth) for soup, can be adjusted
- 3 tbsp. vegetable oil
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp. cumin powder
- 1 tbsp. sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp. turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, minced
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large soup pot add vegetable oil, minced vegetables and sauté for 5-10 minutes on low heat, until they soften. Use a lid and stir frequently as needed.
- Next, wash lentils under cold water, then add to the pot. Add water and bring to a boil. Then, add the egg noodles. Let simmer until lentils and noodles are fully cooked. Add more water if needed.
- Then, add all spices, salt and pepper and stir well. Let soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes and remove from stove. Let cool and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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Hearty and delicious.