Swiss Chard and Fennel Soup

Ingredients

Lemon juice

1 tablespoon

Salt and pepper

to taste

Dried thyme

1 teaspoon

Cannellini beans

1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed

Vegetable broth

4 cups

Swiss chard

1 bunch, stems and leaves chopped

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Fennel bulb

1, chopped

Onion

1, chopped

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, fennel, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, which should take about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped Swiss chard to the pot and cook until wilted. This should take about 3 more minutes.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and dried thyme. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
8. Serve hot. Garnish with fresh fennel fronds or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.