WHITE BEAN AND SWISS CHARD SOUP

It's that time of year where I start to crave hearty soups.  This soup is really easy to make and very healthy.  Please try to make it!

WHITE BEAN AND SWISS CHARD SOUP

Serves 8

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 carrots, cut in half length wise and sliced

2 celery , but in half lengthwise and sliced

1 shallot, chopped

1 garlic clove, chopped

½ cup white wine

2 cans navy beans, rinsed and drained

2 cups veggie or chicken broth, more if needed

1 cup chopped tomatoes (I like Pomi box)

3-4 leaves swiss chard, cut stem away, chop

3 fresh thyme sprigs

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Optional:  freshly grated parmesan cheese

Heat oil in a large soup pot.

Add carrots, celery, shallots – sauté until golden approximately 5 minutes.

Add garlic sauté another 1-2 minutes.

Add white wine and cook until reduced a bit – approximately 5 minutes.

Add beans, broth, tomatoes, swiss chard, thyme, bay leaf, sherry, and some fresh pepper– bring to gentle boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 – 20 minutes.

Remove thyme and bay leaf.

Add more broth if necessary.

Taste for seasoning – if it needs salt add but sometimes broth is salty.  Add pepper to taste.

Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese.