Sautéed Chard with Bacon Vinaigrette
This delightful Sautéed Chard with Bacon Vinaigrette is a nostalgic dish that harks back to family meals in my childhood, prepared lovingly by my mom when fresh chard was abundant from Dad's garden. This vibrant side dish captures the essence of Mennonite and Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, combining the earthy flavors of chard with a tangy, sweet bacon dressing that elevates the greens to a whole new level. With its simple yet robust flavors, this recipe is perfect for showcasing fresh greens and adding a traditional twist to your dinner table. Enjoy a taste of the past that remains incredibly relevant in our modern kitchens!
N/A
Servings
85
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
chard leaves
1 lb (chopped coarsely)
bacon
2-3 slices (cooked until crisp and crumbled)
white vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
white sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Thoroughly rinse the chard leaves under cold water to remove any grit. Cut away the stems and discard them, then chop the leaves coarsely.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then crumble it into small pieces. Reserve the bacon fat in the skillet.
3
Add the white vinegar and sugar to the skillet with the bacon fat and turn the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to bubble for about 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn't burn. Adjust the heat if necessary.
4
Lower the heat to medium and carefully add the chopped chard to the skillet. Sauté the greens for 2-3 minutes, or until they are slightly wilted but still vibrant in color and not mushy.
5
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the sautéed chard, stirring well to coat the greens in the tasty bacon vinaigrette. Transfer the mixture to a serving platter and serve warm for a delightful addition to your meal.
Nutrition Information
5.5g
Fat
4.75g
Carbs
2.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sautéed Chard with Bacon Vinaigrette?
It is a traditional side dish featuring earthy chard leaves dressed in a tangy and sweet bacon vinaigrette, common in Mennonite and Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine.
How much chard do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of chard leaves.
How should the chard be prepared?
The chard leaves should be rinsed thoroughly, stems removed and discarded, and the leaves chopped coarsely.
Should I keep the chard stems?
No, the instructions state to cut away and discard the stems.
How much bacon is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 slices of bacon.
How is the bacon prepared?
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden brown, then crumble it into small pieces.
Do I need to keep the bacon fat?
Yes, you should reserve the bacon fat in the skillet to make the vinaigrette.
What type of vinegar is used for the vinaigrette?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of white vinegar.
How much sugar is added to the dressing?
One tablespoon of white sugar is used.
How do I cook the vinaigrette?
Add vinegar and sugar to the bacon fat, bring to a boil, and allow it to bubble for about 30 seconds.
How long should I sauté the chard?
Sauté the chopped chard for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly wilted.
How can I tell when the chard is done?
The greens should be vibrant in color and wilted but not mushy.
When do I add the bacon back to the dish?
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the sautéed chard at the end and stir well to coat.
How should this dish be served?
Transfer the mixture to a platter and serve it warm.
What is the caloric content of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 85 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 5.5g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the sautéed chard?
This dish provides 2.25g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 4.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
What culinary style does this recipe represent?
It represents Mennonite and Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food side dish.
What is the flavor profile of the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is tangy from the vinegar and sweet from the white sugar.
Can I use different types of sugar?
The recipe specifies white sugar, which is traditional for this type of Dutch-style dressing.
Is it necessary to rinse the chard?
Yes, it is important to rinse it under cold water to remove any grit from the garden.
What kind of skillet should I use?
Any standard skillet will work for cooking the bacon and sautéing the greens.
What heat setting is used for the vinaigrette?
The heat should be turned to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: chard, bacon, vinegar, and sugar.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is a simple side dish with robust flavors and quick cooking times.
What is the primary vegetable in this dish?
The primary vegetable is fresh chard leaves.
Can I make this dish without bacon?
While bacon provides the traditional fat and flavor, you would need a substitute fat to make the vinaigrette.
Is this dish a good way to use garden-fresh greens?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as a great way to showcase fresh chard from the garden.