Savory Swiss Chard and Crispy Bacon Medley
Indulge in this sumptuous Savory Swiss Chard and Crispy Bacon Medley, a delightful dish that showcases the rustic charm of Swiss chard tossed with perfectly crisped bacon. This recipe, inspired by the creative genius of Chef Anne Burrell, marries the earthy flavors of the leafy green with the smoky richness of bacon, all brought together with the warmth of garlic and a hint of spice. Swiss chard is renowned for its vibrant colors and nutritional punch, loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The slightly stronger flavor of Swiss chard compared to spinach makes it a perfect candidate for sautéing, enhancing its taste while keeping it tender and juicy. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served as a nutritious side or a comforting main, guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Dive in and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
enough to lightly coat pan (none)
bacon
1 cup (diced)
garlic
2 cloves (smashed)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 pinch (none)
swiss chard
1 bunch (stems removed and cut into 1/2-inch lengths; leaves cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths)
chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 cup (none)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large sauté pan, coat the bottom lightly with olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat.
2
Add the diced bacon, allowing it to cook until it becomes brown and crispy. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3
Once the bacon is crispy, add the smashed garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté until the garlic turns a lovely golden color, then remove the garlic pieces from the pan and discard them, leaving the infused oil.
4
Next, add the cut Swiss chard stems to the pan along with the chicken or vegetable stock. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the stock has mostly evaporated and the stems are slightly tender.
5
Now, add the Swiss chard leaves to the pan. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the leaves are wilted and vibrant.
6
Season with kosher salt to taste, ensuring all components are well combined.
7
Serve hot as a side dish or as a light main course, garnished with extra crushed red pepper if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Savory Swiss Chard and Crispy Bacon Medley?
This dish marries the earthy flavors of Swiss chard with the smoky richness of bacon, complemented by the warmth of garlic and a hint of spice.
Which chef inspired this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the creative genius of Chef Anne Burrell.
How should the Swiss chard be prepared for this recipe?
The stems should be removed and cut into 1/2-inch lengths, while the leaves should be cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths.
What ingredients are needed for the medley?
The ingredients include olive oil, 1 cup of diced bacon, 2 smashed garlic cloves, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, 1 bunch of Swiss chard, 1/2 cup of stock, and kosher salt.
What kind of stock should I use?
You can use either chicken or vegetable stock depending on your preference.
How long do I cook the Swiss chard stems?
The stems should be cooked for about 3-4 minutes until the stock has mostly evaporated and they are slightly tender.
What is the recommended heat setting for the sauté pan?
The pan should be heated over medium-high heat.
Do I leave the garlic in the dish?
No, you should sauté the smashed garlic until golden, then remove and discard the garlic pieces, leaving only the infused oil.
How long do the Swiss chard leaves take to cook?
The leaves should be sautéed for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are wilted and vibrant.
Is Swiss chard more flavorful than spinach?
Yes, Swiss chard has a slightly stronger flavor compared to spinach, making it ideal for sautéing.
What are the health benefits of Swiss chard?
Swiss chard is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
How much bacon is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of diced bacon.
When do I add the crushed red pepper flakes?
Red pepper flakes are added to the pan along with the smashed garlic after the bacon is crispy.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a nutritious side or as a comforting, light main course.
Should I use kosher salt?
Yes, the recipe specifies seasoning with kosher salt to taste.
How much stock is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable stock.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to coat the bottom of a large sauté pan lightly with olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat.
What texture should the bacon reach?
The bacon should be cooked until it becomes brown and crispy.
How do I ensure the bacon cooks evenly?
You should stir the bacon occasionally while it cooks.
Should this dish be served hot or cold?
The recipe recommends serving the dish hot.
What can I use as a garnish?
You can garnish the dish with extra crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients: olive oil, bacon, garlic, red pepper flakes, Swiss chard, stock, and kosher salt.
How should the garlic be prepared before cooking?
The garlic should be smashed.
Is any preparation needed for the crushed red pepper flakes?
No preparation is required for the red pepper flakes.
Why is stock added to the pan?
Stock is added to help cook the Swiss chard stems until they are tender.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A large sauté pan is recommended for this recipe.
What makes the dish juicy?
Sautéing the Swiss chard enhances its taste while keeping it tender and juicy.
Can I use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version?
While you can use vegetable stock, this specific recipe contains bacon, so a full vegetarian version would require omitting the bacon as well.
What is the role of olive oil in the recipe?
Olive oil is used to coat the pan and provide a base for sautéing the ingredients.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic.