WHITE BEAN-CHARD SOUP

White Bean-Chard Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
Kosher salt
2 15.5-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 12-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and coarsely chopped
5 cloves garlic (4 minced; 1 whole)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 bunch Swiss chard, leaves roughly chopped
Freshly ground pepper
4 thick slices sourdough bread
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Steps:

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and cook until the vegetables are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the beans and broth, bring to a simmer and cook 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the roasted peppers, minced garlic and cilantro and cook until the garlic is soft, about 2 minutes. Stir in the chard, cover and cook until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Scrape the contents of the skillet into the pot and simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Toast the bread, then rub with the whole garlic clove. Serve the soup with the bread and lemon wedges, if desired.