Lebanese Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup (Adas Bi Hamod)

0 Place 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat.
2 Sauté the cubed onions for 3 minutes until they turn translucent, releasing their sweetness.
7 Add the chopped cilantro and minced garlic, stirring for 2 minutes to enhance their aroma. Set this mixture aside.
1 Wash the lentils thoroughly in a strainer to remove any impurities. Fill a 6-quart pot three-quarters full with water and bring it to a boil. Add the rinsed lentils and partially cook them to tenderize without overcooking.
8 Wash the Swiss chard thoroughly to remove grit. Chop the leaves and stems finely for even cooking.
6 Once the lentils are partially cooked, add the chopped Swiss chard to the boiling pot, and stir to incorporate.
5 Add the sautéed onion, garlic, and cilantro mixture. Then, add the cumin, black pepper, lemon juice, and salt.
4 Lower the heat to medium and allow the soup to simmer gently for 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
3 Taste the soup and adjust with more salt or lemon juice as needed.