Chard And White Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 slices smoked bacon, diced fine
1 medium onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
6 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can small white beans, rinsed and drained
1 bunch red swiss chard or 1 bunch white swiss chard
1/4 cup dried tiny pasta, such as pastina
5 -6 large fresh sage leaves, minced
2 teaspoons olive oil

Preparation

Combine bacon, onion, garlic, nutmeg and red pepper flakes in a 4-qt saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until onion is softened, 4 to 5 minutes.
Add chicken broth and white beans, increase heat to high; cook until mixture comes to a boil.
Cut chard stems into 3/4-inch slices.
Cut leaves in half lengthwise, stack, and cut crosswise into 1-inch ribbons.
Add chard stems and pasta when soup boils.
Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 7 minutes.
Add chard leaves; simmer until wilted, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add sage; remove from heat.
Ladle soup into 4 bowls and drizzle with olive oil.