Sautéed Swiss Chard with Balsamic Garlic Dressing
Bask in the vibrant flavors of Swiss chard, a nutritional powerhouse that’s as stunning in presentation as it is in flavor. This sautéed dish highlights the unique colors of chard, from its crisp white stems to its vibrant green leaves, bringing a touch of garden-fresh goodness to your table. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, tangy capers, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, each bite is a delightful combination of earthy greens and zesty accents. Perfect as a side dish or a centerpiece topped with poached eggs and a sprinkle of Parmesan or Romano cheese, this recipe embraces the essence of Italian cooking. Ideal for embracing the bounty of your garden or the local farmers' market, this dish is quick to prepare and sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy it as part of a healthy meal or as a quick weeknight dinner escape.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Swiss chard
3 lbs (Trimmed, sliced and chopped)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons (n/a)
Garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons (Minced or pressed)
Capers
1 tablespoon (Mashed)
Balsamic vinegar
3 teaspoons (n/a)
Salt
to taste (n/a)
Pepper
to taste (n/a)
Instructions
1
Start by trimming the stem ends of the Swiss chard. Thinly slice the stems crosswise up to the base of the leaves, and set the slices aside. Reserve a few whole leaves for garnishing, and coarsely chop the remaining leaves.
2
In a large 6 to 8-quart saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and mashed capers, stirring until the garlic becomes slightly softened, approximately 2 minutes.
3
Toss in the sliced chard stems to the pan, continuing to stir until they soften, which should take about another 2 minutes.
4
Gradually add the chopped Swiss chard leaves to the pan, portioning them out if the pan is crowded. Cover the pot and cook for about 4 minutes or until the leaves are wilted.
5
Once wilted, stir in balsamic vinegar and season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper.
6
To serve, line a dish with the reserved whole chard leaves for presentation. Spoon the sautéed Swiss chard onto the plate, ensuring to highlight its beautiful colors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in this recipe?
The main ingredient is 3 lbs of Swiss chard, trimmed, sliced, and chopped.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be minced or pressed before cooking.
How do you prepare the capers?
The capers should be mashed before adding them to the pan.
What is the first step in preparing the Swiss chard?
Start by trimming the stem ends of the Swiss chard and thinly slicing the stems crosswise up to the base of the leaves.
What should I do with the whole chard leaves?
Reserve a few whole leaves for garnishing the final presentation and coarsely chop the rest.
What size saucepan is recommended for this recipe?
A large 6 to 8-quart saucepan is recommended.
How long should the garlic and capers be stirred?
Stir the minced garlic and mashed capers for approximately 2 minutes until the garlic becomes slightly softened.
When do I add the sliced chard stems?
Add the sliced stems to the pan after the garlic and capers have softened.
How long do the Swiss chard stems need to cook?
The stems should cook for about 2 minutes until they soften.
How should I add the chard leaves if the pan is crowded?
Gradually add the chopped leaves, portioning them out if necessary to manage the space.
Do I need to cover the pot when cooking the leaves?
Yes, cover the pot to help the leaves wilt properly.
How long does it take for the leaves to wilt?
The leaves should take about 4 minutes to wilt.
When is the balsamic vinegar added?
Stir in the balsamic vinegar once the Swiss chard leaves have wilted.
How is the dish seasoned?
The dish is seasoned to taste with salt and pepper after adding the balsamic vinegar.
How do you present the sautéed Swiss chard?
Line a dish with reserved whole chard leaves and spoon the sautéed chard onto the plate.
What are some optional toppings for this dish?
You can top the dish with poached eggs and a sprinkle of Parmesan or Romano cheese.
What cuisine style does this recipe represent?
This recipe embraces the essence of Italian cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish focused on sautéed greens.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be a centerpiece when topped with eggs or served as a healthy side dish.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
The recipe uses 3 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar.
What is the texture of the chard stems in this dish?
The stems are thinly sliced and sautéed until they become softened.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is described as a quick recipe ideal for a weeknight dinner.
What colors are highlighted in this dish?
The dish highlights the crisp white stems and vibrant green leaves of the Swiss chard.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is the amount of capers used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of mashed capers.
What kind of vinegar is recommended?
Balsamic vinegar is used to provide a tangy and zesty accent.
Is Swiss chard considered nutritious?
Yes, it is described as a nutritional powerhouse.
Can I use garden-fresh Swiss chard for this?
Yes, the recipe is ideal for using bounty from your garden or a local farmers' market.