If Romesco and Minestrone had a baby...

This is it!

A blend of red pepper, tomato, and balsamic make up a base bright enough to chase away those snowy skies.  Wheat berries, white beans, chard, and artichokes a heartiness that's enough to help you shed that winter pullover.

Of course, no Spanish-Italian crossover would be complete without lots of garlic, onion, crushed red pepper, paprika and saffron to spice things up.

Note: if you can handle some heat, make this soup as is and you may need a tissue.  If you can't handle heat, make this soup as is to clear out your winter cold in one serving or reduce the red pepper flakes to 1/2 a teaspoon to enjoy a little more freely!

Winter Stew with Balsamic and Chard


Ingredients

• 3/4 Soft White Winter Wheat Berries
• 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
• 1 15 oz can of tomatoes, including juice
• 1/4 c balsamic
• 1 t red pepper flakes
• 1 t black pepper
• 1 t salt
• 3 T oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pinch of saffron, crushed
• 1 t smoked paprika
• 4 cups water or broth, plus more as needed
• 1 small bunch of Swiss chard, chopped
• 1 can white beans, rinsed
• 6 artichokes, broken into leaves

Combine

1. In a small pot, cover the wheat berries in about 2-3 inches of water and boil for 15-20 minutes until starting to turn translucent.
2. Meanwhile dump the bell pepper, tomatoes with juice, balsamic, salt and pepper into a blender or food processor and puree for about 2 minutes until smooth.  Note: it doesn't have to be the consistency of a smoothie but shouldn't have very large chunks.
3. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers, then add the onions and saute for 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, smoked paprika, and saffron and continue to cook for another minute or 2.
5. Add in the tomato base, wheat berries with any excess water, and 4 additional cups of water or broth, then bring to a boil for 10 minutes.
6. Simmer for 15 minutes then add the beans, artichokes, and chard and continue to cook until chard is wilted.
7. Taste and adjust for more salt if desired and enjoy!