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Easy Swiss Chard Recipe

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4 from 2 reviews

A simple and vibrant Swiss chard recipe that highlights the fresh flavors of lemon and garlic. This quick sautéed side dish uses minimal ingredients to bring out the natural earthiness of Swiss chard, making it perfect for a healthy weekday meal accompaniment.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Swiss Chard

  • 1 bunch Swiss chard (810 leaves, green or rainbow)

Cooking Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
  • 23 tablespoons water
  • Zest of 1 organic lemon
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chard: Wash and dry the Swiss chard thoroughly to remove any dirt. Trim off the rough ends of the stems, then finely chop the stems. Tear or slice the leaves into bite-size pieces for even cooking.
  2. Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute until golden. Remove the garlic slices from the pan to prevent burning, but reserve them for later.
  3. Cook the chard stems and leaves: Add the chopped chard stems and leaves to the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for about 1 minute, just until the leaves begin to wilt, which softens them without losing texture.
  4. Combine and season: Remove the lid, return the cooked garlic slices to the pan, and stir in the lemon zest along with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of water, cover again, and let it cook for another minute to meld the flavors and soften the chard.
  5. Finish cooking the stems: Check the stems for tenderness; once they start to soften, uncover the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds to evaporate excess moisture. Then remove the skillet from heat.
  6. Add final touches: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chard and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
  7. Serve: Serve the sautéed Swiss chard immediately as a healthy, flavorful side dish to any meal.

Notes

  • For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the garlic slices slightly longer but be careful not to burn them.
  • Use rainbow Swiss chard for a colorful presentation that adds visual appeal to the dish.
  • This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger group.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
  • Add a pinch of red chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.