Weeknight brothy beans with Swiss chard & leeks


What's Cooking | February Newsletter

Hi Reader,

February is perfect time to slow down and enjoy cozy, nourishing meals. Lately, I’ve been leaning into simple, comforting dishes that warm both the body and soul—and I can’t wait to share them with you!

Below I’m sharing what I’ve been loving and cooking right now, including the first recipe in new weeknight dinner series! Brothy beans with Swiss chard and leeks is a simple, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for chilly days and ready in only 30 minutes!

xo Sammy

Favorite Things

Nordic Winter. Bryan and I are very much in hygge mode while surrounded by deep winter. This year we've taken our hygge to the next level after finding Sanna Vaara's Youtube channel chronicling her slow life in far Northern Finland. We especially love her winter videos (their winter lasts 8 months!). She's the inspiration I need to light some candles, bake bread, and appreciate the slowness of winter.

Snack Plates. Lately snack time has been my favorite part of the day. Though rather than mindlessly snacking my way through a bag of chips, I've been making up snack plates with something crunchy, something creamy, something sweet, and lots of fruit. This week's snack plate featured avocado on rice cakes, nutritional yeast popcorn, and a couple of square of dark chocolate, along with sliced kiwi and oranges.

What to Cook This Month

Rosemary and Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake

This cake is fresh and light, with a hint of bitterness that makes it irresistible. And it's topped with grapefruit glaze that you don't want to skip.

Anya's Borscht

My friend Anya's recipe for traditional borscht is packed with vibrant colors, nutritious root vegetables, and cozy flavors that will leave you craving more!

Triple Coconut Black Rice Pudding

A tropical twist on traditional rice pudding, this version is packed with coconut flavor (featuring 3 types of coconut!), antioxidant-rich black rice, and a hint of sweetness. Serve with your favorite tropical fruit.

Tip Jar

Thank you so much for your support! These tips help to buy ingredients and better equipment so I can make the best... Read more

New Series! Weeknight Dinners

Brothy White Beans with Swiss Chard and Leeks

I was never a huge fan of Swiss chard until I learned it cook it properly by braising it. When cooked this way it becomes silky and succulent, a perfect accompaniment to brothy beans for a quick and nutritious dinner!

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4


Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving

1 large leek, cleaned and thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

1 bunch Swiss Chard, cleaned, stems diced and leaves thinly sliced

2 cans white beans, drained

2 c chicken or vegetable broth

Salt and red pepper flakes to taste

Parmesan cheese

Crusty bread for serving

Instructions

In a large heavy bottomed pot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, another minute.

Add the chard leaves and stems, season with salt, and stir to coat the leaves in oil. Add the beans, broth, and another pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer, until the chard stems and leaves are tender, about 10 minutes.

Portion into serving bowls and top liberally with olive oil, parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Serve with plenty of crusty bread to soak up the juices.

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