Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add dried thyme and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add white beans and Swiss chard to the pot and stir.
6. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until Swiss chard is tender.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (optional).
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Stir in lemon juice.
10. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 150
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 7g
Sodium: 700mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Olive oil can be substituted with any other cooking oil.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken or beef broth.
- White beans can be substituted with any other type of beans.
- Swiss chard can be substituted with kale or spinach.
Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes for a more tomato-based soup.
- Add cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier soup.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamier soup.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to remove the stems from the Swiss chard before chopping the leaves.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup for a smoother texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve soup in a bowl with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
Pair soup with a side salad or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve soup with a side of crusty bread or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the soup to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the beet family and is often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
This soup is savory and slightly tangy from the lemon juice.
Serving suggestions:
Serve soup as a main course for lunch or dinner.
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