Exploring Culinary Gold Chard Soup Recipe With Earthy Flavors  

Chard bursts with vibrant color. Its earthy flavors sing in a pot. When blended into a soup, magic unfolds. Fresh chard leaves offer a hint of bitterness. Yet, they harmonize with aromatic herbs. Each spoonful captivates the palate. 

It’s more than just soup. It’s an experience. Every cook knows that the right recipe transforms simple ingredients. Chard, when bathed in warm broth, becomes enchanting. Dive into this culinary journey. 

Let chard soup warm your soul. Discover the allure of this classic dish. Join us, as we unveil the steps to this gastronomic delight. Welcome to the art of chard soup.

What Is Chard Soup?

Chard soup is a savory dish crafted from fresh chard leaves, a leafy green vegetable known for its vibrant color and earthy flavor. The soup often combines chard with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and rich broth, resulting in a comforting and nutritious blend. 

Its slightly bitter notes from the chard are balanced by the other ingredients, creating a harmonious taste. A staple in many cuisines, chard soup offers both warmth and nourishment in every spoonful.

History Of Chard Soup Recipe

Chard, also known as Swiss chard, traces its roots to the Mediterranean. Ancient Greeks and Romans prized it for its medicinal properties. As civilizations moved and mingled, chard found its way into various cuisines. 

The simplicity of turning chard into soup made it a staple among peasants and royals alike. From rustic Italian kitchens to the bustling bazaars of the Middle East, chard soup evolved with regional flavors. 

Today, it stands as a testament to a rich culinary tapestry connecting generations and cultures.

Interesting Facts About The Chard Soup Recipe 

• Chard belongs to the same family as beets and spinach.
• In ancient times, chard was valued more for its medicinal qualities than its culinary use.
• There are multicolored chard varieties; rainbow chard’s vibrant stems can add a splash of color to the soup.
• Chard is rich in vitamins K, A, and C.
• Many chard soup recipes also incorporate beans or lentils for added protein and heartiness.

What Makes The Chard Soup Recipe Special?

• Nutrient-rich: Chard is packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Colorful Presentation: The soup becomes a visual feast with variants like rainbow chard.
• Versatility: Adaptable to various cuisines, from Mediterranean to Asian.
• Texture Balance: Chard retains some firmness when cooked, providing a pleasant bite.
• Flavor Harmony: The mild bitterness of chard complements savory broths and aromatic herbs.
• Wholesome: Often paired with legumes, offering a protein-rich, hearty meal.

Ingredients List 

Ingredient Tips 

• Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin for a richer flavor.
• Onions/Leeks: Use fresh, firm bulbs. If using leeks, rinse thoroughly to remove grit.
• Potatoes: Waxy potatoes, like Yukon Gold, hold their shape better in soup.
• Chard: Fresh chard should be vibrant in color with crisp stems. Store in a damp cloth in the fridge to retain freshness.
• Spinach Substitute: If using spinach, remember it will melt faster than chard. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can You Vary Chard Soup Recipe With Other Ingredients?

• Keto: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb touch. Incorporate heavy cream for a richer texture.
• Paleo: Use ghee instead of plant-based oil. Avoid dairy; instead, boost the soup’s creaminess with coconut milk.
• Gluten-Free: Chard soup is naturally gluten-free. However, always check any store-bought broths or additives for hidden gluten.
• Whole30: Opt for ghee or coconut oil and avoid dairy. Ensure all ingredients are compliant, like sugar-free broth.
• Vegetarian: Ensure the broth used is vegetable-based.
• Vegan: Substitute the sour cream with a vegan alternative such as cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Also, ensure a plant-based broth is used.

Recipe Directions 

• In a soup pot, heat oil over medium-high. Sauté onion and potatoes for 8-10 minutes.
• Add 1/2 cup water and deglaze.
• Add greens and 1 tsp salt, and cook for 5 minutes.
• Pour 6 cups of water, boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
• Blend soup and return to the pot. Mix in lemon juice.
• For storage, cool and freeze.
• Reheat, swirl in sour cream, and serve.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Spices: Infuse with cumin or coriander for an earthy touch.
• Broth: Use vegetable, chicken, or beef broth in place of water for added depth.

Add-Ons

• Proteins: Introduce lentils, chickpeas, or diced chicken for heartiness.
• Veggies: Stir in diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.

Toppings

• Crunch: Garnish with toasted croutons, seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower), or roasted nuts.
• Freshness: Top with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill.

Scaling The Recipe 

• Quantities: To double or halve the recipe, multiply or divide the ingredient quantities respectively. For instance, use 4 Tbsp of olive oil for a double batch instead of 2.
• Pot Size: Ensure your pot can accommodate the increased volume if scaling up. Conversely, use a smaller pot if scaling down to promote even cooking.
• Cooking Time: While sautéing and boiling points might remain relatively consistent, simmering and wilting times may require slight adjustments. Monitor closely to avoid over or under-cooking.
• Taste: As you adjust quantities, taste regularly. Sometimes, spices, seasonings, or liquid might need fine-tuning beyond mere multiplication or division.

What Is Used For Garnishing?

• Herbs: Fresh sprigs or chopped leaves of parsley, cilantro, dill, basil, or mint.
• Citrus: Zest or thinly sliced lemon, lime, or orange wedges.
• Edible Flowers: Pansies, violets, or nasturtiums for a burst of color.
• Seeds & Nuts: Toasted sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, crushed peanuts, or slivered almonds.
• Spices: For warmth, a dash of paprika, ground pepper, or red pepper flakes.

Can I Make Chard Soup Recipe In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

• Sauté the onions and potatoes in a skillet until lightly caramelized. Transfer to the slow cooker.
• Add chard, water, and salt. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Before serving, puree the mixture and stir in the lemon juice.

Instant Pot

• Use the ‘Sauté’ function to caramelize the onions and potatoes.
• Add chard, water, and salt. Seal and set on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 10 minutes.
• Quick-release the pressure. Puree the soup and mix in the lemon juice.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own? 

Store-Bought Broth

• Convenience: Perfect for when you’re short on time.
• Consistency: Offers a uniform flavor every time.
• Selection: Various options available, including low-sodium, organic, and bone broths.
• Caution: Check labels for additives, preservatives, and high sodium levels.

Homemade Broth

• Flavor: Customizable to your taste preference, often yielding richer flavors.
• Freshness: No artificial preservatives or flavors.
• Economical: Made from kitchen scraps like veggie peels and meat bones.
• Nutrition: Potential for higher nutritional value, especially with bone broths.

Can I Use Different Types Of Meat/Fish/Pasta/Vegetables For The Soup?

• Meat: Chicken, beef, or pork can be added. Consider shredded chicken, beef chunks, or ground pork for varied textures.
• Fish: White fish like cod or tilapia can be gently simmered in the soup. Shellfish, like shrimp or mussels, adds a luxurious touch.
• Pasta: Small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even egg noodles can be integrated into a heartier soup.
• Vegetables: Almost any veggie complements chard soup. Consider adding carrots, celery, zucchini, bell peppers, or even tomatoes. Roasted vegetables can bring a smoky depth.

Success Tips-Tips And Tricks For Making The Recipe 

Prepping Tips

• Chard: Swish leaves in cold water to remove grit. Roll and slice for even pieces.
• Potatoes: Submerge sliced potatoes in cold water prior to cooking to prevent browning in any case.

Cooking Time Tips

• Sauté: For deep flavors, make sure that onions and potatoes caramelize evenly but don’t burn. Adjust heat as needed.
• Greens Timing: Add chard later in the cooking process to retain its vibrant color.
• Taste as You Go: This helps in adjusting seasonings, ensuring a flavorful soup.
• Blending: Blend in batches, ensuring the blender isn’t too full. Hot liquids expand and can overflow.

Nutritional Values 

The Chard Soup offers more than just taste; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals from chard, and coupled with the wholesome energy from potatoes, this soup serves as a delicious path to healthful eating.

What Are Total Calories In The Chard Soup Recipe?

A rough estimate, considering the mentioned ingredients and their typical quantities, might range from 100-200 calories per serving, but this is a ballpark figure. For an accurate calorie count, you’d need to utilize nutrition calculation tools or software, inputting the exact amount of each ingredient.

Dietary Restrictions For The Chard Soup Recipe

• Gluten-Free: The provided recipe is naturally gluten-free unless cross-contamination occurs.
• Dairy: Contains sour cream. Dairy-free versions can use alternatives like coconut cream or almond yogurt.
• Vegan/Vegetarian: The base recipe is vegetarian. For vegans, replace sour cream with a plant-based variant.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Potatoes are high in carbs. For a keto version, replace potatoes with cauliflower or omit them.
• Nut-Free: No nuts are in the base recipe, but always check ingredient labels, especially if using store-bought broth.

Health Benefits Of The Chard Soup Recipe

• Chard: A nutrient powerhouse, chard is rich in vitamins K, A, and C. It also offers essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron.
• Olive Oil: A source of monounsaturated fats, it promotes heart health and contains antioxidants.
• Onions: Contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may combat inflammation and lower blood pressure.
• Potatoes: Provide vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber, especially when skin is retained.
• Lemon: High in vitamin C, it boosts the immune system and aids digestion.

Nutrition Table 

How Can I Make Chard Soup Recipe Lower In Sodium?

• Skip Added Salt: Start with minimal or no salt, adding only at the end if necessary.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables rather than canned, which often contain added sodium.
• Homemade Broth: Store-bought broths can be high in sodium. Make your own or opt for sodium-free or low-sodium versions.
• Spices and Herbs: Elevate flavor using herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary or spices like black pepper, cumin, or paprika.
• Lemon or Vinegar: Enhance taste with natural acids, which can mimic saltiness.

How Can I Make Chard Soup Recipe Lower In Sugar? 

• Potatoes: Opt for low-starch varieties, such as red or new potatoes. They generally have less sugar than russet varieties.
• Onions: Choose white or yellow onions, which are milder in sweetness than red ones.
• Broth: If using store-bought, ensure it’s unsweetened or low-sugar.
• Balancing Flavors: Amp up herbs, spices, and acidic elements (like lemon) to keep the soup flavorful.
• Monitor Add-ons: Ensure any toppings or add-ins are low in sugar.

How To Serve Chard Soup Recipe In The Best Way?

• Warm Bowls: Pre-warm bowls in the oven (on low) or by swirling with hot water. Soup stays hotter longer.
• Garnish: Top with a dollop of sour cream, fresh herbs, or toasted nuts for added texture and taste.
• Bread: Serve alongside crusty whole-grain bread or garlic toast for dipping.
• Layer Flavors: Drizzle a high-quality olive oil or sprinkle freshly ground black pepper on top just before serving.
• Accompaniment: Pair with a light, crisp salad contrasting the soup’s richness.

Perfect Side Dishes To Complement The Chard Soup Recipe

• Crusty Bread: Freshly baked sourdough or baguette slices are perfect for dipping.
• Cheese Board: Offer an assortment of cheeses, ranging from sharp cheddar to creamy brie, with grapes and nuts.
• Quinoa Salad: A light, citrusy quinoa salad with cucumber, tomato, and parsley balances the soup’s richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Veggies like carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts roasted with garlic and herbs.
• Savory Muffins: Think zucchini, cheese, or cornbread muffins.

How Long Can We Store The Chard Soup Recipe?

• Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer the soup to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Before freezing, let it cool completely. Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. The soup can last up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Microwaving is also an option.
• Avoid Multiple Reheatings: Reheat only the portion you intend to consume to maintain flavor and safety.

Can I Make Soup In Advance?

• Flavor Development: Soups often taste better the next day, as flavors meld and intensify with time.
• Time-Saver: Prepare soup a day or two ahead of events or busy nights for hassle-free meals.
• Refrigeration: Once cooked, allow the soup to cool to room temperature. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooled soup. This way, you have a homemade meal ready for future use.
• Reheating: Warm it gently on the stovetop, adjusting the consistency with water or broth if needed.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

• Reinvent: Transform leftover soup into a sauce for pasta or grains.
• Stew Boost: Add beans, lentils, or meat to thicken and create a new stew.
• Pie Filling: Use as a base for pot pies, topping with puff pastry or mashed potatoes.
• Bread Bowl: Serve inside hollowed-out crusty bread for a fun presentation.
• Frittata: Mix with eggs and bake for a soup-inspired frittata.
• Casserole: Layer with cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake.
• Pasta Soup: Add cooked pasta for a hearty variation.

Special Tools/Equipment Needed 

• Soup Pot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot ensures even cooking and ample space for ingredients.
• Immersion Blender: Convenient for pureeing soup directly in the pot, creating a creamy consistency.
• Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables uniformly.
• Cutting Board: A sizable one makes prep work easier and safer.
• Ladle: For stirring and serving the soup.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Vegetable Peeler: For peeling potatoes swiftly.
• Strainer: Useful if you want to ensure an ultra-smooth soup.
• Heat-Resistant Spatula: To scrape the pot’s bottom, preventing sticking.
• Storage Containers: Airtight ones for storing leftovers or prepped ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I Use Rainbow Chard In This Recipe?

Certainly. Rainbow chard will not only work well in the recipe but will also provide a vibrant mix of colors. However, do note that the diverse colors might slightly alter the final hue of the soup.

Is It Necessary To Remove The Chard Stems?

While the recipe suggests removing the stems, you can choose to include them. Chard stems are edible and provide a crunchier texture. If incorporated, consider sautéing them a bit longer to soften.

Can I Replace Sour Cream With Yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. It offers a similar tang and creaminess but with a lighter texture and can be a healthier alternative.

How Do I Adjust The Soup’s Consistency?

If the soup is too thick for your preference, you can thin it out by adding a bit more water or broth. Conversely, if too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce or consider adding a thickening agent like a roux or blended potatoes.

How Can I Enhance The Soup’s Depth Of Flavor?

Consider roasting the vegetables, especially the potatoes and onions, before adding them to the soup. This caramelization process can impart a richer, more nuanced taste to the overall dish. Additionally, herbs like thyme or bay leaves can be introduced during the simmering phase.

 Exploring Culinary Gold Chard Soup Recipe With Earthy Flavors  

0 from 0 votes

Recipe by Hanna Barnes Course: Soup Recipe

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

25

hours 

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

200

kcal

A creamy, vibrant soup, the Chard Soup combines the earthy flavors of chard with the wholesome goodness of potatoes. Lightly caramelized onions enrich its depth, while a hint of lemon provides a refreshing zing. Finished with a swirl of sour cream, this soup is a comforting culinary embrace.

Ingredients

• Olive oil (or another plant-based oil)

• Onion (or 2 medium leeks, white parts only)

• Potatoes

• Chard (or spinach as an alternative)

• Salt

• Lemon

• Sour cream

Step-By-Step Directions 

• Preparation Steps
  Prepare all your ingredients: chop the onion, thinly slice the potatoes, and clean the chard by removing the stems.
• Cooking
  Place your soup pot on the stove and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  Once hot, add the chopped onion and sliced potatoes. Sauté until they’re softened and attain a light caramelized color, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
  To the pot, add 1/2 cup of water. Use your spatula to scrape and lift any bits that might have stuck to the bottom.
• Blending
  Incorporate the cleaned chard greens and sprinkle in 1 tsp of salt. Stir occasionally, letting the greens cook and wilt, roughly around 5 minutes.
  Pour in 6 cups of water. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  Using a blender, puree the soup in batches until smooth. Transfer the pureed soup back into the pot.
• Final Touches
  Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir to mix.
• Serving
  If you plan to serve the soup later or freeze it, allow it to cool down to room temperature first.
  When ready to serve, warm up the soup. Just before serving, add the sour cream. Using a spoon, swirl it into the soup to get a creamy texture and lovely presentation.

Recipe Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlnuAE64h2E

Notes

• If chard isn’t available, spinach or kale can be substituted.
• For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of sour cream.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers to preserve flavor and freshness.
• The soup’s consistency can be adjusted based on personal preference.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be used as garnish for added flavor.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Hanna Barnes

Hey everyone, my name is Hanna, and I am a writer here at Soup Chick! I came across Lana’s website a few years back, and it reignited my love for making homemade broths and soups that wouldn’t break the bank, and would help me get all of my veggies in!

Here at SoupChick.com, I can offer you a range of different recipes to try, from basic broths, to making your own slow cooker chicken tortilla soup (trust me on this one- it is divine).

I hope that you enjoy making your own as much as I love finding new recipes for you!

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