Categories: Meatless Lenten DishesSoups

Lenten Swiss Chard and White Bean Soup

12 years ago

The Lenten season is here, so I’m offering a vegetarian version
of one of my favorite soups. Hope you’ll like it!

Swiss chard and white bean soup

Lenten
Swiss Chard and White Bean Soup
Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 large bunch Swiss chard, thoroughly washed

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp. Aleppo red pepper (NOTE: ½ tsp. paprika with a dash of cayenne pepper
may be substituted)

½ tsp. kosher salt, or to taste

¼ tsp. black pepper, or to taste

1 tsp. dried basil leaves, crushed, or to taste

2 Tbsp. tomato paste (or red pepper paste)

1- 16 oz. can diced tomatoes – including the liquid

4 cups water

1 can white beans, drained and rinsed

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

Directions:

1. To prepare the Swiss chard:
~Trim the stems from the leaves and wash well.
Chop stems into small pieces.

~Thoroughly wash
each leaf of the chard to remove every particle of grit and sand. Remove thick
ribs from leaves. Cut leaves into bite-sized pieces. Set aside until ready to
use.

Step 2

2. In an 8 quart pot, heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil. Sautė
onions, garlic, and Swiss chard stems until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
Season with Aleppo red pepper, salt, pepper, and basil leaves. Stir in tomato
paste, diced tomatoes with their liquid, and 4 cups water. Cook about 10
minutes, stirring on occasion.

Step 3

3. Add the Swiss chard leaves, white beans and lemon
juice; continue cooking for about 20 minutes, or until chard leaves have wilted
and softened. Adjust seasonings according to your taste preference.

NOTE: The soup tastes better the next day, after flavors
have blended.