Lentil Dish with Chicken

To prepare a delicious lentil soup with chicken breast, we start by soaking the lentils. It is recommended to leave them in cold water for at least 2 hours to hydrate properly, which will reduce the cooking time and contribute to a more pleasant texture. In the meantime, we take care of the vegetables. We peel a carrot, an onion, and a bell pepper, then chop them finely, into cubes or slices, depending on preference. These vegetables will add a rich taste and a pleasant aroma to our dish.

In a large pot, we put 1/2 cup of water, let it boil, and then add the chopped vegetables. We add oil to help them sweat, cover the pot with a lid, and let everything simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes. This step is essential to intensify the flavors of the vegetables, which will become sweeter and more savory.

After the vegetables have softened, we add the chicken breast cut into pieces. We let the meat cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, to brown evenly and release its juices. When the chicken breast starts to turn white, we add the drained lentils and mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Now, we add 2 cups of water to the pot, making sure all the ingredients are covered. We cover the pot again with a lid and let the soup simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. It is important to check the consistency of the lentils from time to time, as they should be soft but not turn into a paste.

After the boiling time has expired, we add the tomato puree, salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of cumin, which will bring a distinctive and aromatic flavor. We let it boil for another 10 minutes, stirring gently to homogenize the ingredients. When the soup is ready, we turn off the heat and sprinkle finely chopped parsley on top, which will add freshness and color.

We serve the soup hot, accompanied by a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, full of protein and essential nutrients. Enjoy your meal!