Smoky Chard and White Bean Comfort Soup
Warm up your rainy days with this hearty Smoky Chard and White Bean Comfort Soup. Packed with flavorful ingredients like smoky bacon, fresh Swiss chard, and creamy white beans, this soup is a perfect blend of rich and nourishing flavors. The addition of fragrant sage and a hint of nutmeg elevates this dish, making it the ultimate comfort food. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread and a simple salad for a wholesome meal that will soothe your soul.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
smoked bacon
2 slices (diced fine)
onion
1 medium (diced)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly grated)
red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon (crushed)
low sodium chicken broth
6 cups (liquid)
small white beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
red Swiss chard or white Swiss chard
1 bunch (washed and chopped)
dried tiny pasta (such as pastina)
1/4 cup (uncooked)
fresh sage leaves
5-6 large (minced)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
In a 4-quart saucepan, combine the diced bacon, onion, minced garlic, freshly grated nutmeg, and red pepper flakes.
2
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and the bacon is crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the rinsed and drained white beans. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
4
Meanwhile, prepare the Swiss chard by slicing the stems into 3/4-inch pieces. For the leaves, cut them in half lengthwise, stack the halves, and slice them into 1-inch ribbons.
5
Once the soup is boiling, add the chard stems and dried tiny pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 7 minutes.
6
Next, add the chard leaves to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the leaves are wilted and tender.
7
Stir in the minced sage and remove the soup from heat. Allow the flavors to meld for a minute.
8
Ladle the soup into four bowls and finish with a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
22g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Chard and White Bean Comfort Soup?
It is a hearty and nourishing soup featuring smoky bacon, fresh Swiss chard, creamy white beans, and tiny pasta, flavored with sage and nutmeg.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What are the main ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include smoked bacon, onion, garlic, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, white beans, Swiss chard, tiny pasta, fresh sage, and olive oil.
How much fat is in this soup?
There is 7.5g of fat per serving.
What kind of beans should I use?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of small white beans, rinsed and drained.
Can I use either red or white Swiss chard?
Yes, you can use one bunch of either red Swiss chard or white Swiss chard for this recipe.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This soup provides 8g of protein per serving.
What type of pasta is best for this soup?
Dried tiny pasta, such as pastina, works best for this comfort soup.
How do I prepare the Swiss chard stems and leaves?
Slice the stems into 3/4-inch pieces. For the leaves, cut them in half lengthwise, stack them, and slice them into 1-inch ribbons.
How long does it take to cook the bacon and onions?
Cook the bacon and onions over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes until the onion is softened and the bacon is crisp.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 22g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
What spices and seasonings give the soup its flavor?
The soup is seasoned with freshly grated nutmeg, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and fresh sage leaves.
When do I add the chard leaves to the pot?
Add the chard leaves after the stems and pasta have simmered for about 7 minutes, then simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes.
How many slices of bacon are used?
The recipe uses 2 slices of smoked bacon, diced fine.
Do I need to use fresh or dried sage?
The recipe specifically calls for 5-6 large fresh sage leaves, minced.
What size saucepan should I use?
A 4-quart saucepan is recommended for preparing this soup.
Is there a recommended serving suggestion?
Yes, serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread and a simple salad for a wholesome meal.
How much nutmeg is added to the soup?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
What is the final step before serving the soup?
Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this hearty soup is tagged as a great option for both lunch and dinner.
How much olive oil is used for drizzling?
About 2 teaspoons of olive oil are used to drizzle over the finished bowls.
How many cloves of garlic are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 clove of garlic, minced.
What amount of red pepper flakes should I add?
Add 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
How long should the soup boil before adding the chard stems?
Bring the broth and bean mixture to a rolling boil over high heat before adding the stems and pasta.
What type of onion is required?
The recipe requires 1 medium onion, diced.
Is this soup considered comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically described as the ultimate comfort food for rainy days.
When should the sage be added?
Stir in the minced sage after the chard leaves are wilted and the soup is removed from the heat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients total used in this recipe.
How long should the soup sit after adding the sage?
Allow the flavors to meld for about one minute before ladling into bowls.