What can I do with Swiss chard?

Swiss chard is a versatile and nutritious leafy green vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are several ways you can use Swiss chard:

Sauteed or Stir-Fried: Heat some olive oil in a pan, add minced garlic and chopped Swiss chard stems, and sauté until tender. Then add the chopped Swiss chard leaves and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Salads: Swiss chard leaves can be used raw in salads. Tear or chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces and toss with your favorite salad ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and a vinaigrette dressing.

Soups and Stews: Add chopped Swiss chard leaves to soups and stews during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add a nutritious boost and vibrant color to your dish.

Stuffed: Swiss chard leaves can be stuffed with a mixture of grains, vegetables, and cheese, similar to stuffed cabbage rolls. Simply blanch the leaves briefly to soften them, then fill with your desired stuffing mixture and roll them up. Bake until heated through.

Quiches and Frittatas: Chop Swiss chard leaves and sauté them with onions and other vegetables before adding them to quiches or frittatas. They add a delicious flavor and texture to these egg-based dishes.

Pasta Dishes: Swiss chard can be added to pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna. Sauté it with garlic and olive oil, then mix it into cooked pasta along with your favorite sauce and toppings.

Grilled or Roasted: Swiss chard can be grilled or roasted for a tasty side dish. Drizzle whole leaves or chopped stems with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until tender and slightly charred.

Smoothies: Believe it or not, Swiss chard can be added to smoothies for a nutritious boost. Combine it with fruits like bananas, berries, and mango, along with some yogurt or milk for a refreshing and healthy drink.

Pesto: Use Swiss chard leaves in place of or in addition to basil in your favorite pesto recipe. Blend the leaves with garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil for a unique twist on traditional pesto.

Pickled: Swiss chard stems can be pickled for a tangy and crunchy snack or addition to salads and sandwiches. Simply blanch the stems, then pack them into jars with a vinegar brine and your favorite spices.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to get creative and experiment with Swiss chard in your cooking!

Here are recipes for a few of the dishes mentioned:

Sautéed Swiss Chard:

Ingredients:
1 bunch Swiss chard
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Separate the chard leaves from the stems. Chop the stems into bite-sized pieces and tear the leaves into smaller pieces.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped chard stems. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the stems are tender.
3. Add the torn chard leaves to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Swiss Chard and Feta Quiche:

Ingredients:
1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 bunch Swiss chard
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 eggs
1 cup milk or cream
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust in a pie dish and set aside.
2. Separate the chard leaves from the stems. Chop the stems into small pieces and tear the leaves into smaller pieces.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chopped chard stems to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender. Stir in the torn chard leaves and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
6. Spread the cooked chard mixture evenly in the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
7. Pour the egg mixture over the filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown.
8. Allow the quiche to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Other recipes:

• Sauteed Rainbow Chard with Raw Beets & Goat Cheese
• Swiss Chard Baked Eggs
• Chard Salad with Garlic Breadcrumbs & Parmesan
• Savory Swiss Chard Tart
• Sausage & Swiss Chard Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
• Swiss Chard-Salami Frittata