Swiss Chard Recipe

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.

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

FAQ

What is the best thing to do with Swiss chard?

1. Add chopped fresh Swiss chard to other salad greens.
2. Toss in a handful of chopped Swiss chard to your next stir fry, soup or omelet like in this Swiss chard and navy bean soup or this colourful Eat Your Greens Frittata.
3. Sauté Swiss chard in a little olive oil and garlic.

How do you cook Swiss chard so it’s not bitter?

Is Swiss chard healthier than spinach?