Description
A simple, nutritious Swiss chard recipe featuring sautéed stems and leaves with garlic and onion, providing a flavorful and healthy side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 bunches of Swiss chard (or rainbow chard)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional – squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Swiss Chard: Wash the Swiss chard thoroughly to remove any grit and dirt. Trim the ends of the stems to discard any broken or wilted parts, ensuring freshness.
- Chop Chard: Separate the leaves from the stems. Roughly chop the leaves and dice the stems into 1/2 inch pieces for even cooking.
- Heat Olive Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil, allowing it to warm up evenly.
- Sauté Onion and Stems: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes until translucent. Then add the chopped chard stems and sauté for an additional 3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Add Chard Leaves: Toss in the chopped chard leaves and sauté just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes, maintaining their vibrant color and texture.
- Season and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle kosher salt, ground black pepper, and optional fresh lemon juice over the sautéed chard. Stir well and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm Swiss chard for the best taste and texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; lemon juice adds a bright, fresh note but can be omitted.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, rice, or pasta.
- For a vegan option, ensure no animal-based seasonings are added.
- Can be reheated gently in a skillet; avoid overcooking to retain nutrients and color.