Description
A quick and flavorful side dish made with fresh Swiss chard, garlic, and olive oil—perfectly sautéed in under 15 minutes for a healthy and easy vegetarian option.
Ingredients
1 lb fresh Swiss chard with stems
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 large garlic cloves
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional
Instructions
Prep the Chard: Rinse the Swiss chard thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt. Soak in a bowl of water for about 10 minutes. Chop the stems into small pieces and roughly chop the leaves.
Prepare the Garlic: Smash the garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife to loosen the skins, peel, and roughly chop them.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Cook the Chard: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the chopped chard stems and leaves to the skillet. Sauté for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stems are tender and the leaves have wilted.
Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Serve warm.
Notes
Don’t Overcook: Swiss chard cooks quickly — remove from heat once wilted to maintain texture and color.
Flavor Variations: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts for extra flavor.
Make It a Meal: Serve over grains like quinoa or couscous, or as a side to grilled tofu or pasta.
Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sauté / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
