Are you ready to transport your taste buds straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy? This incredible Italian Rice and Chard Soup is not just a meal, it's a culinary journey that combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a symphony of comfort and flavor. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving a nutritious and soul-warming dish, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Thoroughly wash the Swiss chard and chop it into bite-sized pieces, separating the stems from the leaves. Add the chopped chard stems to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the Arborio rice and stir to coat the grains with the oil and vegetable mixture, allowing the rice to lightly toast for about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the vegetable broth to the pot, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add the chopped chard leaves and cover the pot. Simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to incorporate the seasonings.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
- Serve hot in bowls, garnishing each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh Swiss chard and high-quality Arborio rice for the best texture and flavor.
- Toasting the Rice: Don't skip the rice toasting step – it helps develop a richer, nuttier flavor profile.
- Liquid Ratio: Keep an eye on the broth absorption. If the soup becomes too thick, you can always add a little more vegetable broth.
- Parmesan Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most authentic and vibrant flavor. Pre-grated cheese won't give the same depth.
- Prep Technique: Separate chard stems from leaves while chopping. The stems take longer to cook, so add them earlier in the process.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately for the best texture, and consider pairing with a crusty Italian bread for a complete meal.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
