Chard and White Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 bunch Swiss chard (about 1 lb.)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 quart fat-skimmed chicken broth
• 2 cans (15 oz. each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• About 1/2 cup fresh-grated parmesan cheese (see notes)
• Salt and fresh-ground pepper

Preparation

1. 1. Rinse chard well and trim off and discard discolored stem ends; tear leaves from stems. Thinly slice stems crosswise; cut leaves into 1-inch pieces.
2. 2. Pour oil into a 4- to 5-quart pan over medium heat. Add chard stems and garlic; stir often until stems are limp, about 10 minutes. Add chard leaves, broth, and 3 cups water (see notes). Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, until chard is tender to bite, 10 minutes longer.
3. 3. Add beans and stir occasionally until hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup parmesan cheese and add salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls; offer more parmesan to add at the table.