red chard soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best red chard soup recipe

I’ve been making red chard soup for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

I love that it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in the fridge, and it’s also a fantastic way to get my kids to eat something healthy and delicious. My family and I have enjoyed this soup countless times, and we always look forward to the next batch. One of the things I love about red chard soup is the way it warms the soul – it’s like a big hug in a bowl.

And let’s not forget the health benefits: this soup is packed with nutrients from the red chard, which is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. I’ve even started making it for my kids’ lunchboxes when they’re feeling under the weather – it’s a great way to boost their immune system and give them energy. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for company, this red chard soup recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

It’s also perfect for meal prep – simply make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use. One of the key techniques involved in making this soup is using low heat to cook the chard slowly, which helps preserve its nutrients and flavor. This technique is called ‘gentle cooking,’ and it makes all the difference in this recipe – trust me, you won’t want to skip this step!

In fact, I often find myself wanting more of this soup after dinner – it’s just that good! The combination of sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, and chicken broth creates a rich, velvety texture that coats your tongue with each spoonful. And have I mentioned how much my kids adore helping me make this soup?

They love washing the vegetables and stirring the pot as we wait for everything to simmer together.

Red Chard Soup with Lemon and Garlic

4.8 from 1340 votes

A vibrant and nutritious soup made with fresh red chard, garlic, and a bright squeeze of lemon. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a light lunch or a starter.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large potato, peeled and diced
1 bunch red chard, stems chopped and leaves sliced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4Add the diced potato and chopped chard stems to the pot.
5Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stems begin to soften.
6Pour in the vegetable broth and add the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
7Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potato is tender when pierced with a fork.
8Add the sliced chard leaves and cook for an additional 3 minutes until wilted.
9Remove the pot from the heat.
10Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
11Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
12Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley.
13Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
14Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Immersion blender or standard blender

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 24g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

For a heartier soup, add a can of drained and rinsed white beans along with the broth. You can substitute rainbow chard or spinach if red chard is unavailable.

Watch Video Of How Red Chard Soup with Lemon and Garlic Works

This red chard soup recipe has become a staple in our household because of its ease of preparation and versatility. It makes an excellent addition to any mealtime gathering – whether you’re serving it at home or bringing it along on-the-go.

When reheating leftovers from this recipe, be sure not to overcook them; instead aim for just warming them through until they’re nice and hot again. For serving ideas try pairing with crusty bread or over rice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Red Chard Soup with Lemon and Garlic

Q: What is red chard?

Red chard is a type of leafy green vegetable that’s similar to spinach but with slightly bitter leaves.

Q: Can I use kale instead of red chard?

While kale can be used as a substitute in some recipes, its stronger flavor may not complement other ingredients as well as red chard does.

Q: Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly – simply omit any animal-based broth or substitute with a plant-based alternative.

Q: How do I store leftover soup?

To keep leftover soup fresh for up to 3 days, transfer it to an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze it for later use.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to give this soup an extra boost of flavor – some popular options include cumin powder or dried thyme.

Similar Posts