Swiss chard, with its vibrant stalks and sturdy green leaves, often plays the role of a mere sidekick on our plates. However, this leafy green is more than just a supporting character; it's a star ingredient brimming with flavor and versatility. In this long-form blog post, we will explore five exquisite chard recipes from Bon Appétit, each designed to bring out the best of this underrated gem in ways that will both surprise and delight your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a culinary novice, these recipes are crafted to elevate your meals while being relatively easy to prepare.
Recipe 1: Chard and Saffron Orzo
Begin your culinary journey with an orzo dish that beautifully balances the sweet, earthy notes of chard with the luxurious, floral threads of saffron. Here's how to make it:
- Start with your ingredients: 1 bunch of Swiss chard, 8 ounces orzo pasta, saffron threads, chicken or vegetable broth, garlic, and lemon.
- First, prepare your chard by removing the stems from the leaves. Chop the stems finely and cut the leaves into ribbons.
- Boil the orzo in salted water until it's al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, sauté garlic in olive oil, add chard stems, and cook until soft. Add the chard leaves, cover, and let it wilt. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of saffron dissolved in warm broth.
- Mix the orzo with the chard mixture. Squeeze some lemon juice over the top for brightness.
🌿 Note: When cooking with saffron, make sure it's in bloom by steeping it in warm liquid for at least 10 minutes to unleash its flavor fully.
Recipe 2: Chard and Roasted Garlic Tart
Treat yourself to a savory tart where the mild sweetness of roasted garlic pairs sublimely with the slight bitterness of chard:
- Roast garlic cloves in the oven until they're soft and golden, this can take about 45 minutes.
- Blanch chard leaves to soften them, then squeeze out excess water.
- Prepare your tart base with store-bought or homemade puff pastry.
- Spread a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with the roasted garlic over the pastry, followed by the chard leaves. Sprinkle with cheese and bake until the tart is golden and bubbly.
Recipe 3: Spicy Chard Lentil Salad
Move over kale salads, this chard-based salad brings a spicy twist:
- Cook red or green lentils until tender but still holding their shape. Let them cool.
- Chop Swiss chard finely, including the stems. Toss with lentils, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, and a chili-hot sauce.
- Add ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or feta cheese for additional flavors and textures.
🌶️ Note: Adjust the heat level to your preference by choosing a mild or fiery hot sauce.
Recipe 4: Chard Gratin
This comforting dish offers a hearty and creamy treat:
- Blanch chard leaves, then layer them in a baking dish.
- Create a sauce using béchamel or a cheesy cream mixture and pour it over the chard.
- Bake until the top is bubbly and browned. Add breadcrumbs for crunch if desired.
Recipe 5: Chard Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Complete your chard exploration with a healthy and visually striking dish:
- Bake sweet potatoes until tender.
- Meanwhile, sauté chard with garlic and perhaps some bacon for a twist.
- Slice the sweet potatoes in half, scoop out some flesh to make a well, and fill it with the chard mixture. Top with nuts or cheese.
As we've now journeyed through five delectable chard recipes from Bon Appétit, it's clear that chard can indeed be the star of your meal. From the earthy, floral notes of saffron orzo to the creamy comfort of a gratin, these recipes showcase the incredible versatility of chard. Not only do they offer a spectrum of flavors, but they also provide nutritional benefits, making chard an ingredient to fall in love with all over again. So next time you're at the market, grab a bunch of Swiss chard and let these recipes inspire your next culinary adventure. Enjoy the unique flavor chard brings to your table!
Can Swiss chard be eaten raw?
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Yes, Swiss chard can be eaten raw. It’s delicious in salads or as part of fresh green juices. However, cooking it reduces oxalic acid, making it more digestible.
How do I choose the best Swiss chard?
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Look for Swiss chard with crisp, shiny leaves and firm, unblemished stems. The leaves should be vibrant in color, and avoid any with signs of wilting or yellowing.
Are there any health benefits to eating chard?
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Swiss chard is packed with vitamins A, C, K, and E, as well as magnesium, potassium, and fiber. It’s low in calories and high in antioxidants, making it beneficial for overall health, particularly eye health and bone strength.
