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A bowl of vegetable soup with beans, carrots, spinach, celery, and a spoon on a white surface.
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White Bean and Chard Soup

This white bean and chard stew is the definition of comfort food. With its combination of legumes, vegetables, and fresh chard, it's a complete and flavorful dish, ideal to enjoy slowly, spoon in hand.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Soups
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: cannellini and Swiss Chard minestrone recipe, Cannellini minestrone with chards recipe, white bean soup with Swiss chard
Servings: 8
Calories: 280kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) white beans
  • 8 cups (2 liters) water
  • 4 slices (80 g / 3 oz) bacon, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 cup (150 g), onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves (6 g) garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (200 g) celery, chopped
  • 1 cup (130 g) carrot, diced
  • 2 cups (300 g) tomatoes, diced
  • 4 cups (200 g) chard leaves, cut into stripes
  • 1 bunch fresh thyme sprigs or 1½ tablespoons (3 g) dried thyme
  • Coarse sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the beans with the water, uncovered.
  • Once it comes to a boil, boil for 10 minutes, lower the heat to medium-low and cook covered for about 45 minutes, until the beans are tender but not falling apart.
  • Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, sauté the bacon for about 3–4 minutes. With a spoon, remove and discard half of the fat.
  • Add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon and sauté the onions, garlic, and celery for about 5 minutes.
  • Add the carrot and tomatoes and cook for 5 more minutes.
  • With a cup or ladle, remove about 1½–2 cups of beans with some of the broth they cooked in. In a blender, blend until a thick, smooth mixture forms. Add this bean cream to the pot with the soup.
  • Put the beans back on medium heat and add the sofrito and thyme. Cook covered for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Remove the thyme bouquet, adjust the seasoning, and serve with fresh chard cut just before bringing to the table.

Notes

Like all beans, this soup tastes better the next day.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 1348mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 4226IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 7mg