Hearty Swiss Chard and Tortellini Soup with Rustic Garlic Croutons
Experience the comforting symphony of flavors in this Hearty Swiss Chard and Tortellini Soup, where vibrant Swiss chard meets savory mushrooms and delectably soft tortellini. This hearty soup not only warms you up with its rich flavors but also nourishes your body with fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients. Drizzle with a splash of red wine vinegar for an added layer of depth and serve it alongside homemade garlic-rubbed croutons for that perfect crunch. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also versatile enough to meet diverse dietary preferences, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
6-8 servings
Servings
225
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (Measured)
Red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (Measured)
Fresh rosemary
3 tablespoons (Minced)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (Measured)
Vidalia onion
1 medium (Diced)
Red bell pepper
1 (Diced)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Cremini mushrooms
8 ounces (Thinly sliced)
Swiss chard
1 lb (Sliced in ribbons)
Better than Bouillon vegetable stock base
1 tablespoon (Measured)
Vegetable broth
10 cups (Measured)
Tortellini (fresh or frozen, cheese or mushroom filled)
1 lb (Measured)
Diced tomatoes (with juice)
15 ounces (Canned)
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (Measured)
Pecorino Romano cheese
1/2 cup (Grated (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the red pepper flakes, minced fresh rosemary, kosher salt, diced Vidalia onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions begin to soften and turn golden.
2
Add the thinly sliced cremini mushrooms to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they start to release their juices and become tender.
3
Incorporate the sliced Swiss chard and the Better than Bouillon vegetable stock base into the pot. Stir well and allow the chard to wilt down, which should take around 3-4 minutes.
4
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5
Once boiling, add the tortellini to the pot. If using frozen tortellini, let them cook for approximately 5 minutes before adding the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. For fresh tortellini, wait about 2 minutes before adding the tomatoes.
6
After adding the tomatoes, stir thoroughly, reduce the heat to medium, and let the soup simmer for about 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
7
Once the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and stir in the red wine vinegar, blending all the flavors together.
8
Serve the soup in deep bowls, generously sprinkled with grated pecorino romano cheese if desired, and accompany with garlic-rubbed croutons for a delightful crunch.
Nutrition Information
8.75
Fat
25.625
Carbs
7.5
Protein
3.75
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Swiss Chard and Tortellini Soup?
It is a comforting, nutrient-dense soup featuring vibrant Swiss chard, cremini mushrooms, and soft tortellini in a savory vegetable broth.
What type of onion is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one medium Vidalia onion, diced.
How long should I saute the initial aromatics?
Saute the red pepper flakes, rosemary, salt, onion, red bell pepper, and garlic for about 5 minutes until the onions soften.
When do I add the cremini mushrooms?
Add the thinly sliced cremini mushrooms after the initial aromatics have softened and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
How should the Swiss chard be prepared?
The Swiss chard should be sliced into ribbons before being added to the pot.
What is the purpose of Better than Bouillon in this soup?
It serves as a concentrated vegetable stock base to enhance the richness of the 10 cups of vegetable broth.
How long does it take for the Swiss chard to wilt?
It typically takes around 3 to 4 minutes for the Swiss chard to wilt down after being stirred into the pot.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, if using frozen tortellini, let them cook for approximately 5 minutes before adding the tomatoes.
How long should fresh tortellini cook before adding tomatoes?
Fresh tortellini only needs about 2 minutes of cooking time before you add the canned tomatoes.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the 15 ounces of diced tomatoes should be added along with their juices.
How long should the soup simmer after all main ingredients are added?
After adding the tomatoes, reduce the heat to medium and let the soup simmer for about 8 minutes.
When is the red wine vinegar added?
The red wine vinegar is stirred in at the very end after the heat has been turned off.
What provides the 'crunch' in this recipe?
Homemade garlic-rubbed croutons are served alongside the soup to provide a delightful crunch.
Is this soup recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe uses vegetable broth, vegetable stock base, and cheese or mushroom tortellini, making it vegetarian-friendly.
What type of cheese is used for garnish?
Grated Pecorino Romano cheese is recommended as an optional topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8.75 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in a serving of this soup?
Each serving provides about 7.5 grams of protein.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
There are 3.75 grams of fiber per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25.625 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Does this soup have any spice?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat.
What type of tortellini filling works best?
Either cheese or mushroom-filled tortellini are recommended for this recipe.
Can I use fresh rosemary?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of minced fresh rosemary.
How much vegetable broth is needed total?
You will need 10 cups of vegetable broth.
What kind of mushrooms are used?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of thinly sliced cremini mushrooms.
What is the preparation for the red bell pepper?
One red bell pepper should be diced before cooking.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, by using a vegan-friendly tortellini and omitting the Pecorino Romano cheese garnish.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to stir in the red wine vinegar to blend all the flavors together before ladling into bowls.