Sautéed Swiss Chard with Golden Raisins and Toasted Pine Nuts
Sautéed Swiss Chard with Golden Raisins and Toasted Pine Nuts is a delightful and nutritious side dish that brings together the earthy flavors of Swiss chard, the sweetness of golden raisins, and the crunchy texture of pine nuts. This recipe strikes a harmonious balance between savory and sweet, making it the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian plate. The process of blanching the chard helps to maintain its vibrant color and tender texture, enhancing both the visual appeal and taste of this dish. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a fresh addition to any meal.
4
Servings
75
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Swiss chard
2 bunches (about 1 1/2 pounds total) (stalks cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces; leaves torn into 2-inch pieces)
Pine nuts
2 tablespoons (toasted)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Golden raisins
1/3 cup (none)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Coarse salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the Swiss chard, ensuring to keep some water clinging to the leaves and stalks. Set the washed chard aside.
2
In a large saucepan or skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium-high heat. Shake the pan frequently for even browning, which should take about 2 to 4 minutes. Once toasted, remove them from the pan and set aside for later.
3
In the same saucepan, add olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped Swiss chard stalks and sauté until they begin to soften, approximately 4 minutes.
4
Once the stalks are softened, add the torn Swiss chard leaves, golden raisins, and minced garlic to the pan. Cover the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 6 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are tender.
5
After the chard is cooked, remove the lid partially to let out any excess water, tilting the pan if necessary. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and the toasted pine nuts, then season the dish with coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
6
Serve warm as a delicious side dish or allow it to cool to room temperature for serving.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
7.5
Carbs
1.25
Protein
1.25
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sautéed Swiss Chard with Golden Raisins and Toasted Pine Nuts?
It is a nutritious side dish that balances the earthy flavors of Swiss chard with the sweetness of golden raisins and the crunch of toasted pine nuts.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
How much Swiss chard is needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 bunches of Swiss chard, which is about 1.5 pounds total.
How should the Swiss chard stalks be prepared?
The stalks should be cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces.
How should the Swiss chard leaves be prepared?
The leaves should be torn into 2-inch pieces.
What is the best way to toast the pine nuts?
Toast them in a large saucepan over medium-high heat for 2 to 4 minutes while shaking the pan frequently.
How much olive oil is used in the sautéing process?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Which part of the Swiss chard is cooked first?
The chopped stalks are sautéed first for about 4 minutes until they begin to soften.
When do I add the chard leaves to the pan?
Add the leaves once the stalks have softened, along with the golden raisins and garlic.
How much garlic does the recipe require?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
How long should the chard leaves cook?
The leaves should cook covered over medium-low heat for 6 to 10 minutes until tender.
How do I handle excess water in the pan after cooking?
Partially remove the lid and tilt the pan to let out any excess water.
What type of vinegar is added at the end of cooking?
One tablespoon of balsamic vinegar is stirred in at the end.
What seasonings are recommended for this dish?
The dish should be seasoned with coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
Is this Swiss chard recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this dish provide per serving?
Each serving provides 1.25 grams of fiber.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is 1.25 grams of protein in each serving.
Can this dish be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served warm or allowed to cool to room temperature.
What are some suggested pairings for this side dish?
It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a vegetarian meal.
Why should I leave some water on the chard after washing?
Keeping some water clinging to the leaves helps them steam and become tender during the cooking process.
How many pine nuts are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts.
How many golden raisins are included?
The recipe includes 1/3 cup of golden raisins.
What temperature should be used to cook the stalks?
The stalks should be sautéed over medium-high heat.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
The provided nutritional data indicates no cholesterol content.
Does the recipe use sugar?
While the raisins contain natural sugars, no added sugar is listed in the ingredients.
When should the toasted pine nuts be added back to the dish?
The toasted pine nuts should be stirred in at the very end with the balsamic vinegar.