Zupa od Blitve (Swiss Chard Soup)
A traditional Croatian soup that prominently features olive oil is "Zupa od blitve" or Swiss chard soup. This dish is a simple, hearty soup often made with fresh vegetables and olive oil, which is a staple ingredient in Dalmatian cuisine. It’s a healthy, flavourful dish that reflects the Mediterranean influences on Croatian food.
Zupa od Blitve (Swiss Chard Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of Swiss chard (or other leafy greens like spinach)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1.5 liters (6 cups) vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and chop the Swiss chard into bite-sized pieces, discarding the tough stems.
- Peel and dice the potatoes and carrots. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, and Swiss chard. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften a bit.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Add the broth (vegetable or chicken) to the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Season and Serve:
- Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme if using. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Once ready, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
Serving Suggestions:
- This soup is traditionally served as a light meal, and it pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
- Try it with Croatian white wines like Pošip and Istarska Malvazija.
This soup highlights the use of olive oil, which enhances the flavours of the vegetables and brings out the richness of the dish, making it a perfect representation of Croatian Mediterranean cuisine.