Spicy Chard Soup

A steaming bowl of Spicy Chard Soup can warm you from the inside out, delivering comfort with a spicy twist. Rich in flavor yet simple to prepare, this delightful dish combines the earthiness of Swiss chard with aromatic spices, creating a nourishing meal that is perfect for any occasion.

This vibrant soup is not only delicious but also exceptionally healthy. Swiss chard is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for those looking to boost their nutrient intake. The spices used in this recipe elevate the flavors, creating a unique profile that excites the palate. With the addition of hard-boiled eggs and crispy pita chips, this soup offers textural contrast and makes for a fulfilling meal.

Why make this recipe

Spicy Chard Soup stands out for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chard leaves and crunchy pita chips ensures that each spoonful is packed with delightful contrasts. Additionally, the warmth and richness of the spices make this soup ideal for chilly days or when you’re simply in need of some comfort food. With a preparation time of just around half an hour, the soup is quick to whip up, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Moreover, this dish is highly versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. Whether you prefer a vegan version by omitting the eggs and yogurt or want to add more protein, the options are plenty. Everyone can enjoy this dish, making it a fantastic choice for serving guests or sharing with family.

How to make Spicy Chard Soup

Making Spicy Chard Soup is straightforward, even for those who may not consider themselves seasoned cooks. It starts with fresh Swiss chard, which is prepared by separating the stems from the leaves. The stems are cut into 1/2-inch pieces for a satisfying crunch, while the leaves are coarsely chopped.

To bring out the flavors, you’ll begin by toasting caraway and cumin seeds in a skillet. This step is crucial as it releases their aromatic properties, resulting in a more vibrant taste. After toasting for about one to two minutes, the seeds should be cooled slightly before being crushed into a coarse mix.

In a large pot, olive oil is heated over medium heat, followed by the addition of chard stems and finely chopped onions. This mixture is cooked until softened, around five to six minutes. The next step involves pushing the vegetables to one side to make room for the tomato paste, harissa, garlic, and the previously prepared spice mix. Cooking these together for a couple of minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Once everything is fragrant, the chard leaves, broth, and a bit of water are added, turning the mixture into a beautiful soup. The pot is brought to a rapid simmer and left to cook until the chard is tender, which takes roughly ten minutes. The soup is finished with a splash of lemon juice for brightness and seasoned with kosher salt.

As for the garnish, a mixture of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt adds a creamy, tangy element to the final dish. To serve, spoon the soup into bowls, topping each with quartered hard-boiled eggs, coarsely crushed pita chips, a generous dollop of the yogurt mixture, and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of richness.

Ingredients

• 2 bunches Swiss chard (about 2 pounds)
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon harissa or other chile paste
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 lemon, halved
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
• 2 cups pita chips, coarsely crushed

Directions

• Cut the chard stems into 1/2-inch pieces and the leaves into 1-inch pieces; keep them separate.
• Toast the caraway and cumin seeds in a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, then let cool and crush/grind into a coarse spice mix.
• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; add the chard stems and onion and cook until softened (5–6 minutes).
• Push the vegetables aside and add the tomato paste, harissa, garlic, and ground spices; cook for 2 minutes, then stir everything together.
• Add the chard leaves, chicken broth, and 1 cup water; bring to a rapid simmer and cook until the chard is tender (about 10 minutes).
• Stir in the juice of 1/2 lemon and season with salt.
• In a small bowl, mix the yogurt with the remaining 1/2 lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
• Serve the soup in bowls and top with the eggs, pita chips, and a dollop of the yogurt mixture; drizzle with olive oil.

Time Breakdown

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6

How to serve Spicy Chard Soup

Spicy Chard Soup can be served as an appetizer or the main dish, making it especially versatile. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the flavorful broth. The presentation is equally important; serving the soup in vibrant bowls and garnishing it generously with hard-boiled eggs and a drizzle of olive oil not only enhances the look but elevates the overall dining experience. Be sure to provide additional pita chips on the side for those who enjoy a little extra crunch.

Additionally, this soup is perfect for gatherings. The vibrant colors and hearty nature make it visually appealing, while the combination of textures keeps guests intrigued with each spoonful. Allow your guests to customize their bowls with yogurt and extra garnishes, creating an interactive dining experience.

How to store Spicy Chard Soup

To prolong the life of your Spicy Chard Soup, proper storage is essential. Once the soup has cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to keep the garnishes separate to maintain their freshness and texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat on the stovetop until heated through. Adding a touch of fresh lemon juice before serving can help to refresh the flavors after freezing.

Tips to make Spicy Chard Soup

To enhance the flavor profile of Spicy Chard Soup, consider adding additional spices such as smoked paprika or chili flakes for an extra kick. If you love herbs, fresh or dried thyme can elevate the overall taste nicely. Also, ensuring that your chard is fresh and vibrant will significantly impact the soup’s taste, so choose well when shopping.

If you want to make the soup heartier, consider incorporating other vegetables such as carrots or potatoes. These can be added at the beginning alongside the chard stems to create more depth. For a vegan version, substitute the yogurt with coconut yogurt or skip it altogether for a lighter soup.

Furthermore, adjusting the heat level is easy by playing with the amount of harissa or chile paste you use in the recipe. If you’re preparing it for small children or those who prefer mild flavors, feel free to reduce the spice level.

Variation

No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use different greens instead of chard?
A: Yes, you can substitute Swiss chard with kale, spinach, or collard greens.

Q: Is it possible to make this soup without harissa?
A: Certainly! You can use any chili paste or sauce you prefer, or even skip it for a milder flavor.

Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: To make it dairy-free, you can omit the Greek yogurt or replace it with a non-dairy yogurt alternative.