Ingredients

1 bunch swiss chard , stems removed chopped into bite sized strips
2 cans cannellini beans , drained and rinsed
1 fennel bulb , stems and core discarded , bulb chopped
1 medium onion , diced
4 garlic cloves , minced
5 slices prosciutto , diced
1 can low sodium chicken broth
1 can low sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes , minced
1 jar roasted red peppers , drained and coarsely chopped
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup gluten free pasta shells ( I use quinoa )
1/2 chicken bouillon cube , dissolved in
1 cup water
1/2 lemon , juice of
5 fresh sage leaves , minced
5 fresh basil leaves , chopped
salt and pepper , to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
parmesan cheese , rind ( optional )
This White Bean and Swiss Chard Soup is a delicious and healthy twist on classic Italian minestrone soup. The addition of fennel and roasted red peppers gives the soup a complex depth of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. Swiss chard, a leafy green vegetable, adds a hearty, nutrient-dense element to the soup, while cannellini beans offer a source of vegetarian protein and dietary fiber. This soup is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy winter meal or for meal prepping for the week ahead.

Instructions

1.In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2.Add chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3.Add minced garlic, diced prosciutto, and chopped fennel bulb to the pan and sauté until the fennel is tender, about 5 minutes.
4.Add chopped Swiss chard and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and sauté until the chard is wilted, about 3 minutes.
5.Add canned cannellini beans, chicken broth, roasted red peppers, nutmeg, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan.
6.Bring mixture to a simmer and add the chicken bouillon cube dissolved in water.
7.Reduce heat to medium low and let soup simmer for 10 minutes.
8.Add gluten-free pasta shells and cook until pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.
9.Stir in lemon juice, minced sage, chopped basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
10.Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

PROS

This soup is hearty, flavorful, and packed with healthy ingredients like Swiss chard, beans, and fennel.

It makes for a filling and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for cold winter days.

CONS

The use of prosciutto and Parmesan cheese in this recipe contributes to a high sodium and fat content, making it less suitable for those watching their salt or fat intake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Swiss chard is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, magnesium, and potassium.
Beans are a good source of vegetarian protein and dietary fiber.
Fennel is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to improved digestive health.
Sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

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