Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable with a bitter, earthy flavor. While less familiar than spinach or kale, it’s just as nutritious and delicious when cooked properly. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook Swiss chard so it is not bitter.
1. What is Swiss Chard?
Swiss chard goes by many names including leaf beet, silverbeet, crab beet, and spinach beet. But they all refer to the same leafy vegetable with broad, ruffled leaves and crunchy stalks.
It comes in a range of stem colors like white, red, yellow, and orange. The dark leafy greens have a more bitter, robust flavor, while the white stems are more mild.
Swiss chard has sky-high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins K, A, and C, along with magnesium, potassium, and iron. It’s an extremely healthy food that’s simple to cook.
2. Best Ways to Eat Swiss Chard?
Swiss chard can be enjoyed raw in salads, stems and all. But cooking is the best way to temper its bitterness and highlight its sweet, savory flavor.
Sauteeing is the ideal cooking method for Swiss chard. Quick cooking over high heat helps wilt the leaves while keeping the texture bright and the colors vibrant. Slow, gentle simmering works too, but will mute the vegetable’s flavor.
3. How To Cook Swiss Chard (Sauteed Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1-2 bunches Swiss chard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Separate chard stems from leaves. Chop stems into 1/2 inch pieces. Stack leaves and slice into ribbons.
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Add chard stems and cook 3-4 minutes until barely tender.
Add garlic and shallot. Cook 1 minute more. Then add chard leaves and cook, tossing frequently, until wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
Remove skillet from heat. Toss in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. The lemon brightens up the earthy flavors of the chard. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.
4. What To Serve With Sautéed Swiss Chard
Baked Chicken Breast: The lean and tender chicken complements the earthy flavors of the Swiss chard beautifully.
Baked Salmon: The richness of salmon contrasts wonderfully with the fresh, vibrant chard.
Quinoa Pilaf: Serve the sautéed Swiss chard over a bed of fluffy quinoa for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Roasted Pork Tenderloin: The juicy pork and the tender Swiss chard create a harmonious combination.
With its ruffled leaves and crunchy brightly colored stems, Swiss chard brings visual appeal as well as nutrients to any plate. It’s easy to cook fast by sautéing and pairs well with a wide variety of ingredients. Add Swiss chard to your regular recipe rotation for a nourishing dose of vitamins and minerals.
