Swiss Chard Soup (Printable)

A wholesome soup with tender Swiss chard, garlic, and vegetables simmered in a light, aromatic broth.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large bunch Swiss chard (about 14 ounces), stems and leaves separated and chopped
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Broth & Seasoning

06 - 5 cups vegetable broth, gluten-free
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Finish

11 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
13 - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic and Swiss chard stems. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and stems begin to soften.
03 - Add the Swiss chard leaves, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
04 - Simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until vegetables are very tender and flavors meld together.
05 - Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in under 45 minutes, which means you can go from hungry to deeply satisfied without the stress.
  • The Swiss chard stays bright and slightly tender rather than mushy, giving you that satisfying bite in every spoonful.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day, so it's the kind of thing that makes meal planning feel less like a chore.
02 -
  • Separating the chard stems from the leaves isn't just fussiness; those stems need an extra few minutes to soften properly, so cook them first or they'll be tough.
  • Don't add all your salt at once at the beginning; taste the broth after simmering and season gradually, because vegetables release liquid as they cook and the broth concentrates.
03 -
  • Make a double batch and freeze half in individual portions; future you will be so grateful for the foresight.
  • If your store-bought vegetable broth is saltier than expected, reduce the added salt by half and taste before adjusting further.
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