Ham Bean and Swiss Chard Soup

Packed with hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients, this Ham Bean and Swiss Chard Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any cold day. This nutrient-rich soup combines tender white beans, savory diced ham, and earthy Swiss chard in a fragrant chicken broth seasoned with garlic, bay leaf, and aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion. Perfectly suited for a quick, satisfying dinner, this one-pot recipe comes together in just under an hour and delivers six generous servings. Whether you're seeking a protein-packed meal or a cozy way to enjoy fresh greens, this soup is a delicious and healthy option. Garnish with a touch of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish and serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate pairing.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion
• 2 medium carrot
• 2 celery stalks
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 cups diced ham
• 3 cups cooked or canned white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed
• 6 cups Swiss chard leaves, stems removed and roughly chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Dice the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced ham to the pot and stir well to combine with the vegetables.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Add the drained and rinsed white beans, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot.

Step 8

Simmer the soup uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Add the chopped Swiss chard to the pot and stir it into the soup. Cook for an additional 7-10 minutes until the chard is tender.

Step 10

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to taste.

Step 11

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 12

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3266.6 grams (3266.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1543

Total Fat 48.10g	62%
Saturated Fat 10.60g	53%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 180mg	60%
Sodium 12252mg	533%
Total Carbohydrate 166.10g	60%
Dietary Fiber 48.30g	173%
Total Sugars 23.10g
Protein 118.70g	237%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 811mg	62%
Iron 30mg	164%
Potassium 6703mg	143%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.5%

Protein: 30.2%

Carbs: 42.3%