Garlic-Infused Sautéed Swiss Chard with Chili Kick
Elevate your vegetable side dish with this flavorful Garlic-Infused Sautéed Swiss Chard recipe. The vibrant greens of Swiss chard, with their earthy flavor and nutritional benefits, are complemented by the richness of extra virgin olive oil, the heat of fresh chili, and the aromatic essence of garlic. Finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice for a hint of brightness, this dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly healthy, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy this quick and easy recipe that brings a burst of flavor to your dining table and encourages you to embrace the goodness of greens!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Swiss chard
500 g (Separated into stalks and leaves, chopped)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (None)
Fresh chili
1 (Roughly chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Roughly broken)
Lemon
1/2 (Juice only)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the Swiss chard under cold water to remove any grit. Using a sharp knife, carefully separate the white stalks from the green leaves.
2
Chop both the stalks and leaves into bite-sized pieces, keeping them separate for cooking purposes.
3
Fill a large pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the chopped Swiss chard stalks and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
4
In a large frying pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the roughly chopped fresh chili and broken garlic cloves. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
5
Next, add the Swiss chard leaves to the pan. Cover with a lid and let them wilt for about 5 minutes. Afterward, uncover the pan and stir, continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.
6
Fold in the cooked Swiss chard stalks and, if needed, drizzle a little more olive oil for moisture. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Finally, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the vegetables before serving to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic-Infused Sautéed Swiss Chard with Chili Kick?
It is a healthy and flavorful vegetable side dish featuring earthy Swiss chard greens, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of chili spice.
Is this Swiss chard recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this sautéed Swiss chard recipe are naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How do I prepare the Swiss chard for cooking?
Rinse the greens under cold water, then use a sharp knife to separate the white stalks from the green leaves before chopping both into bite-sized pieces.
Why do I need to cook the stalks and leaves separately?
The stalks are much tougher than the leaves and require boiling to become tender, whereas the leaves wilt quickly when sautéed.
How long should I boil the Swiss chard stalks?
Boil the chopped stalks in salted water for approximately 5 minutes until they are tender.
What type of oil is recommended for this dish?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
Two garlic cloves, roughly broken, are used to infuse the oil with flavor.
What kind of chili should I use?
The recipe calls for one fresh chili, roughly chopped, to provide a spicy kick.
How long do I sauté the garlic and chili?
Sauté the garlic and chili in the oil for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden.
How do I cook the Swiss chard leaves?
Add the leaves to the pan, cover with a lid for 5 minutes to let them wilt, then uncover and cook for another 5 minutes.
What is the purpose of cooking the leaves uncovered for the last 5 minutes?
Cooking them uncovered allows any excess moisture released by the greens to evaporate.
When do I add the boiled stalks back into the pan?
Fold the cooked stalks into the pan after the leaves have finished wilting and the moisture has evaporated.
What does lemon juice add to the Swiss chard?
Lemon juice adds a hint of brightness and acidity that enhances the earthy flavors of the greens.
How much lemon juice should I use?
The juice from half a lemon is sufficient to finish the dish.
Can I add more olive oil at the end?
Yes, if the mixture seems dry, you can drizzle a little more olive oil over the vegetables before serving.
How should I season the sautéed Swiss chard?
Season with freshly ground black pepper during the sautéing process and adjust with salt to your preference at the end.
Is Swiss chard a healthy vegetable?
Yes, Swiss chard is highly nutritious and known for its earthy flavor and vibrant green leaves.
What is the preparation for the garlic cloves?
The garlic cloves should be roughly broken rather than finely minced.
Do I need to salt the boiling water for the stalks?
Yes, adding a generous pinch of salt to the water helps season the stalks while they cook.
Can I substitute the fresh chili?
You can use red pepper flakes if fresh chili is unavailable, or omit it entirely for a milder version.
What temperature should the frying pan be?
Heat the frying pan over medium heat to avoid burning the garlic and oil.
How do I remove grit from Swiss chard?
Rinsing the leaves thoroughly under cold running water is the best way to remove any grit.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The final dish features tender stalks and soft, wilted greens with a slight richness from the oil.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in about 20 minutes.
What should I serve this with?
It makes an excellent side dish for roasted meats, grilled fish, or as part of a vegetarian grain bowl.
Should the chili be seeded?
The recipe doesn't specify seeding, so you can include the seeds for more heat or remove them for a milder flavor.
Can I use different varieties of chard?
Yes, this method works well with Rainbow, Red, or Fordhook Giant Swiss chard.