5 Delicious Swiss Chard Recipes You'll Love

Swiss chard, with its vibrant stems and rich, leafy greens, is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treasure trove of nutrients. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with a good dose of iron, magnesium, and fiber, Swiss chard is an excellent addition to your diet. Here are five scrumptious recipes that will make you fall in love with this superfood:

1. Swiss Chard and Lentil Soup

Start your culinary journey with this hearty soup. It’s not only comforting but also nutritious.

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and sorted
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, leaves and stems separated and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until they soften.
2. Add lentils, vegetable broth, tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
3. Add the chopped Swiss chard stems first, cook for about 10 minutes, then add the leaves and continue cooking until wilted.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

2. Stuffed Swiss Chard Rolls

Impress your guests with these colorful and flavor-packed rolls.

• 8 large Swiss chard leaves
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ¹⁄₂ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¹⁄₂ cup pine nuts, toasted
• ¹⁄₄ cup dried cranberries
• ¹⁄₂ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch Swiss chard leaves in boiling salted water for a few minutes until pliable. Drain and cool.
2. Combine quinoa, feta, pine nuts, cranberries, parsley, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Place a spoonful of filling on each Swiss chard leaf, roll up securely, and place seam side down in a baking dish.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

3. Swiss Chard with Garlic and Olive Oil

This simple dish highlights the natural flavor of Swiss chard with minimal ingredients.

• 1 bunch Swiss chard, washed and chopped
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• Salt and red pepper flakes
• Juice from ¹⁄₂ lemon

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, cook until golden, but not burnt.
2. Add Swiss chard, a handful at a time, letting it wilt slightly before adding more. Season with salt and red pepper flakes.
3. Cook until chard is tender. Drizzle with lemon juice just before serving.

4. Swiss Chard and Potato Gratin

A comfort food with a twist, this gratin is creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious.

• 1 pound potatoes, sliced thin
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a casserole dish.
2. Blanch the Swiss chard leaves and stems separately, then drain well.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter, sauté the onion until soft, then mix in the chard stems. Layer the dish with potatoes, followed by a layer of chard leaves, and onion mixture, repeat, and top with cheese.
4. Mix cream and milk with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then pour over the layers.
5. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

5. Swiss Chard and Mushroom Sauté

Versatile and quick, this sauté is perfect as a side dish or incorporated into other recipes.

• 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 shallots, diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, cooking until soft.
2. Add mushrooms, cook until they start to release their liquid, then add the chard and soy sauce. Stir until the chard wilts.
3. Top with sesame seeds before serving.

Here are some final thoughts on incorporating Swiss chard into your diet. Each of these recipes showcases the versatility of Swiss chard, from soups to side dishes, making it easy to include this leafy green in your meal planning. Whether you're looking to boost your nutrition or simply explore new flavors, these dishes will not disappoint.

Can I freeze Swiss chard?

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Yes, you can freeze Swiss chard. Blanch it first to preserve its color and texture, then freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 12 months.

What nutrients does Swiss chard provide?

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Swiss chard is rich in vitamins A, C, K, and E, along with minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron, and a good amount of fiber.

How do I select the best Swiss chard?

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Choose Swiss chard with crisp, bright leaves and firm stems. Avoid any bunches that look wilted or yellowed, as these might be past their prime.

Is it possible to use Swiss chard stems in cooking?

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Absolutely! The stems, when cooked separately, add a nice crunch and can be used in sautés, soups, or even pickled.

What’s the best way to store Swiss chard?

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Store Swiss chard in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This helps to keep it fresh for several days.