With the colder weather upon us and the pretty Fall colors, I was feeling the need to make some soup. When I saw
this soup I thought it looked a lot like the yummy soup that I remember eating at Olive Garden. However, I've not eaten at a Olive Garden in over 5 years, so I really have no idea how close this recipe is. But I can tell you that it's easy to make and quite good.
Disclaimer: I apologize for the lackluster photograph, darkness is upon us and my kitchen lighting is not kind to food. I was also too lazy to go get my flash because the soup smelled so good.
Swiss Chard, White Bean, and Sausage Soup.
Swiss Chard, White Bean & Sausage Soup
adapted from
White Bean and Escarole Soup via Food Network
Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Level: Easy Serves: 6
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ounces pancetta or prosciutto cut into 1/4-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 – 4 fresh thyme sprigs, whole
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 head Swiss chard, (about 1 pound) trimmed, washed, and coarsely chopped
- Two 15 ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes w/basil, garlic and oregano (with juice, preferably no salt added)
- 5 cups chicken broth, preferably low-sodium and MSG-free
- 5 Italian sausages, pan-cooked cooked or grilled and chopped (we use Johnsonville brand)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
In a large soup pot or dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat, add the pancetta, and saute for about 5 minutes. When the meat is browned and crisp, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot. Add the onion and saute until golden, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, fresh herbs, and pepper flakes; saute for 2 – 3 minutes more. Add the Swiss chard, stirring for 2 minutes more until wilted. Add the beans, tomato, broth, cooked sausage and salt to taste; bring to a boil. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes. Stir in the reserved pancetta and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with your favorite bread.
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