| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 324 | 6g | 1g | 51g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 9g | 12g | 1.6g |
A Rustic Homage to My Roots
Swiss Chard and Potato Soup, hearty and comforting, is a dish that particularly resonates with me. As a proud Italian-American with a deep cultural heritage grounded in food, I love revisiting traditional recipes and infusing them with my distinct nuances. This soup, despite its simplicity, brings me joy in a bowl; it transports me back to the heart of my Nonna’s kitchen in New Jersey, where my passion for the culinary arts was ignited.
Nourishment for the Body and Soul
But it’s not just the taste or nostalgia that makes me adore this recipe – it’s the multitude of health benefits is brings. All too often, health-conscious foods are tagged as uninspiring, but this bowl of bliss proves otherwise. It is plentiful in Swiss chard – a nutritional powerhouse that brims with vitamins A, K, and C, and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. The wholesome potatoes, bags of fibers, potassium and vitamin C, are an excellent component for a satisfying meal.
Moreover, don’t overlook the humble white beans. They’re not merely filler – they offer a protein-packed touch and a wealth of health benefits. Loaded with fiber and slow-burning carbohydrates, they’re perfect for this health-boosting soup, particularly post one of my frequent hikes. It’s a recipe that veers towards the healthy without compromising on flavor.
Beyond The Recipe
The Swiss Chard and Potato Soup stands strong alone, but I also relish the opportunity to pair it with some favorites. Remember the spaghetti and meatballs I talked about? Their robust, tangy flavors make an excellent counterpoint to the earthy wholesomeness of this soup. Likewise, a loaf of no-knead crusty bread is always a welcome companion, ready to sop up those last flavorsome soup drops from your bowl.
While it bears a strong resemblance to multiple Italian minestras and zuppas, subtle ingredient variations and easy adaptability set it apart. Whether you’d like to throw in extra vegetables to clean out your fridge or add a spicy sausage for an additional protein kick, this soup never fails to please.
Ultimately, whether you opt for Swiss Chard and Potato Soup on a chilly winter evening, after a long day at work, or just when you crave something healthy and fulfilling, you can be rest assured – it will always remind you of home, just as it does for me.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Grated parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by heating the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is evenly heated, add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and starts to brown.
Step Two
Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for another one to two minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Take care not to burn the garlic.
Step Three
Next, add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir the pot well so that the potatoes get coated with the olive oil and begin to cook evenly.
Step Four
Pour the 6 cups of vegetable broth into the pot and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it has reached boiling point, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step Five
Once the potatoes are tender, add the chopped Swiss chard, the drained and rinsed white beans, salt, black pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Stir well and let the soup continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until the Swiss chard is wilted and the flavors have melded together.
Step Six
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Step Seven
Serve the soup hot. If desired, it can be garnished with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your Swiss Chard and Potato Soup!
