Chard Recipes

Theres really no secret to making excellent sautéed greens: just good olive oil, salt, loads of garlic and a jolt of red pepper flakes. This method works with pretty much any green too — broccoli, broccoli rabe, kale, spinach, collards, brussels sprouts or green beans — so youve really no excuse not to get your daily dose of vegetables. Serve it as a side to any roasted or grilled meat, or over a mound of creamy polenta thats been crowned with a fried egg.

Sauteed Swiss Chard

Make chard taste incredible with this Swiss chard recipe! Amp the flavors in this easy side dish by adding pine nuts and Parmesan.

Prep: 5min

Total: 10min

Yield: 4

Nutrition Facts: servingSize None, calories 80 calories, Sugar 1 g, Sodium 326.9 mg, Fat 7.3 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Carbohydrate 3.9 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 1.7 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch (12 ounces) Swiss chard or rainbow chard
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instruction:

1. Wash and dry the chard leaves. Remove the stems and roughly chop the chard (follow the instructions in How to Cut Kale). If you’d like, thinly slice the tender part of the stems and add that to the mix (discard the large tough parts of the stems; or you can discard the stems entirely).
2. Smash and peel the garlic cloves.
3. Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the smashed garlic and chard and cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently until wilted and bright green.
4. Remove from the heat and add the kosher salt, red pepper flakes. and several grinds of fresh ground pepper.
5. Discard the garlic cloves and serve immediately. If desired, serve with shredded Parmesan and toasted pine nuts.

Sautéed Swiss Chard

This simple Swiss chard recipe is an easy, healthy, and delicious side dish! You could also toss it with pasta or serve it over creamy polenta to make it a meal.

Prep: 5min

Total: 10min

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches Swiss chard
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (more to taste)
• Lemon wedge (for squeezing)
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instruction:

1. Slice the stems off the chard leaves and chop the stems into 1/4-inch slices. Coarsely chop the leaves.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chard stems and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add the chard leaves, garlic, salt, and several grinds of pepper, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the leaves are wilted.
3. Turn off the heat, squeeze a little lemon juice over the chard, and toss. Season to taste and serve.

Simple Sautéed Swiss Chard

Simple Sautéed Swiss Chard with onions, garlic and a splash of balsamic vinegar. It is a healthy low calorie side dish that’s perfect for beginners!

Prep: 10min

Total: 20min

Yield: 6

Serving Size: 2/3 cup

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 2/3 cup, calories 80 calories, Sugar 5 g, Fat 5 g, Carbohydrate 9 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 2 g

Ingredients:

• 2 large bunches Swiss chard, or rainbow chard
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• pinch each dry thyme and nutmeg
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, optional

Instruction:

1. Stack several pieces of Swiss chard on work surface. Remove stems and set aside. Roughly cut leaves into pieces about 2-inch square. Repeat with the remaining swiss chard. Transfer the chopped leaves to a salad spinner filled with water. Drain, repeat washing if necessary, and spin dry. Rinse and chop the Swiss chard stems (about the same size as the diced onion.)
2. Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add chopped chard stems, garlic, onion, salt, thyme, nutmeg and pepper and cook, stirring often until the onions are starting to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Add chopped cleaned Swiss chard leaves, 2 tablespoons water and cover. Let wilt, 2 to 4 minutes.
4. Remove lid and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until the Swiss chard is completely wilted and softened, 1 to 3 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat and drizzle with balsamic vinegar if using. Serve hot.

How to Cook Swiss Chard