Lemon-Infused Sautéed Swiss Chard with Garlic
Experience the delightful flavors of sautéed Swiss chard, a vibrant and nutritious green that deserves a spot on your dinner table. This recipe showcases the earthy richness of Swiss chard, enhanced by the aromatic notes of garlic and a punch of crushed red pepper. The finishing touch? A splash of fresh lemon juice that brightens each bite, making this dish a perfect accompaniment to any entrée. It’s simple to prepare and packed with health benefits, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Trust me, once you try this, you'll be a Swiss chard lover for life!
4
Servings
63
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 1/2 tablespoons (Melted)
olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons (Melted)
garlic
2 cloves (Minced)
dry crushed red pepper
1 pinch (None)
Swiss chard
2 bunches (Stems trimmed, leaves cut into 1/2-inch-wide pieces)
lemon
1/2 (Juice)
salt
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy skillet, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium-low heat.
2
Once the butter has fully melted, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper to the pan.
3
Sauté the mixture for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
4
Add the Swiss chard to the skillet, using tongs to toss and coat the leaves with the garlic and oil mixture.
5
Cover the skillet and allow the chard to cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 8 minutes, or until the leaves are tender and wilted.
6
Remove the lid and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the sautéed chard, stirring to incorporate.
7
Season with salt to taste, adjusting as needed for your preference.
8
Serve warm and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
3g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon-Infused Sautéed Swiss Chard with Garlic?
It is a vibrant and nutritious vegetable side dish featuring Swiss chard sautéed with garlic, red pepper flakes, and finished with fresh lemon juice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include 2 bunches of Swiss chard, 2 cloves of garlic, butter, olive oil, crushed red pepper, lemon juice, and salt.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 63 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How do I prepare the Swiss chard leaves?
You should trim the stems and cut the leaves into 1/2-inch-wide pieces.
How much garlic is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 minced cloves of garlic.
Can I use both butter and olive oil?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of each to create a rich flavor profile.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 4.5g of fat.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic and crushed red pepper for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly golden.
How long does the Swiss chard take to cook?
After covering the skillet, the Swiss chard cooks for approximately 8 minutes until tender and wilted.
What provides the infusion of flavor?
The flavor is infused through sautéed garlic, crushed red pepper, and a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 1.25g of protein.
Are there any carbohydrates in this recipe?
Yes, there are 3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by replacing the butter with more olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
What is the role of the crushed red pepper?
It adds a subtle aromatic note and a slight punch of heat to the greens.
When should I add the lemon juice?
Add the juice of half a lemon after the chard has finished cooking and you have removed the lid.
Is the Swiss chard covered while cooking?
Yes, you should cover the skillet to allow the leaves to wilt and become tender.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large, heavy skillet is recommended for even heat distribution.
Do I need to add salt?
The recipe suggests seasoning with salt to taste at the very end.
What makes this dish healthy?
Swiss chard is a nutrient-dense green, and the recipe uses healthy fats like olive oil.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the brightest flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced before adding it to the skillet.
How much crushed red pepper should I use?
A pinch of dry crushed red pepper is sufficient for this recipe.
Can I use more than 2 bunches of Swiss chard?
You can, but you may need to increase the other ingredients proportionally to maintain flavor.
Is Swiss chard similar to spinach?
Yes, it is a leafy green similar to spinach but generally has a more earthy richness and sturdier texture.
Should I wash the Swiss chard?
Yes, always wash leafy greens thoroughly to remove any grit or soil before cutting.
Can I omit the red pepper if I don't like spice?
Absolutely, the red pepper can be omitted without affecting the basic cooking process.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It is primarily designed as a vibrant and nutritious vegetable side dish.
What is the heat level for cooking the fats?
The butter and olive oil should be melted together over medium-low heat.