Region: Italy
Category: Soups
Season: Any
Difficulty: Easy
Italians don't throw away the stalks of Swiss chard but use them in a variety of  (4)LO.jpg)
preparations. One of the best is this farmhouse-style soup. Save the green leaves to make Cheesy Swiss Chard Gratin (see link below).
[photo: Clifford A. Wright]
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 pound Swiss chard stalks, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
4 medium eggs (optional)
4 slices Italian bread, roasted with extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over high heat, then add the garlic and Swiss chard stalks and cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn't burn.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat to medium and let it bubble gently until the stalks are tender. Ladle into bowls and add a tablespoon of parmigiano cheese into each and serve.
Variation:
Add an egg during the last minute that the soup is cooking and serve with a slice of Italian bread previously roasted until golden brown with some olive oil.
Note:
Posted: 01/02/2007
Referenced Recipes:
