Cooking Swiss Chard is something few people think about when they hear “Switzerland,” but there’s no doubt that this leafy green veggie is a national treasure. Do you want to know how to cook it like a true Swiss Master Chef? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
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Choosing Your Swiss Chard
When shopping for Swiss Chard, try to look for stalks that have a vibrant, leafy green color. Red Swiss Chard is especially flavorful and crunchy but is generally more expensive. In season, you will find Swiss Chard with a range of colors from white to yellow, or even purple! No matter what colors you choose, make sure that the leaves feel fresh and have a good heft in your hand.
Preparing Your Swiss Chard
Once you’ve brought home your Swiss Chard, you’ll want to chop them into thin slices. This will help them to get soft and tender without drying out. Separate the leafy part from the stalk and chop the leafy green parts into thin strips. The stalks can then be diced or cut into small cubes.
Cooking Swiss Chard
- Sauteed Swiss Chard: Heat olive oil in a pan until it is hot. Add chopped stalks of Swiss Chard and sauté for several minutes before adding the leafy parts. Add a pinch of rock salt, or better yet, some fleur de sel, and continue to sauté until the leaves start to wilt. This should take no more than 10 minutes. Serve with some freshly ground pepper and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Steamed Swiss Chard: Add diced Swiss Chard stalks to a pot of boiling water and simmer until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the leafy parts and continue to simmer until these are also tender, another 5 minutes or so. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid. Serve with a drizzle of lemon juice and freshly grated black pepper.
Swiss Chard is actually quite versatile, so if you’re feeling creative, feel free to experiment with different seasonings and preparation methods. It can also be added to soups, stews, omelettes, or other dishes.
So don’t worry about having to be a Swiss chef to prepare Swiss Chard. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of culinary know-how, you can make this leafy green delight part of your regular cooking routine. And who knows? You may even surprise your friends and family with your newfound Swiss culinary prowess by serving up some delicious and nutritious Swiss Chard dishes.