Ever hear of Swiss chard? If you haven’t you’ll want to get familiar with it fast. It’s one of the super health foods, packed full of vitamins and minerals. Plus, it tastes pretty good if you know how to cook it properly. In this article we’ll teach you all about Swiss chard and how to eat it to get all the nutrients nature intended.
Swiss chard can be cooked in myriad ways, so let’s start with the basics. Swiss chard is a green leafy vegetable, related to beets and spinach. The leaves and stems can both be eaten and have a slight bitterness but a delicious nutty flavor. If you want to really up the nutritional content, make sure to eat the stems too. To prepare Swiss chard, first rinse it off and remove any wilted outer leaves. To cook, start by sautéing the stems and leaves in a bit of olive oil and garlic. Once crisp, add in some lemons or limes to balance the bitterness and flavor.You can also make a yummy Swiss chard salad. Start by tearing the leaves into smaller pieces and massaging them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Using your hands will make the leaves softer and stronger in taste. Then, toss with any combination of diced tomatoes, avocado, nuts, and feta cheese. Allegedly, this is the same way the Swiss make their famous fondue.
If you really want to get fancy, try wrapping small strips of chard around salty and sour things such as herbed goat cheese and olives. Bake these Swiss chard packages in the oven for a crispy exterior and gooey interior. Or, if you want something that looks like pasta, you can boil Swiss chard leaves and impress your family with this tasty vitamin-packed dish.
Swiss chard can also be used in soups as a healthy alternative to spinach. Simmer it in veggie broth, add any combination of cream, onions, garlic, and mushrooms for a full-bodied soup. The sky’s the limit when it comes to adding herbs and spices to this concoction.
Swiss chard is a unique vegetable in the health world that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Remember to keep it light and flavorful in the cooking process to make sure you reap the health benefits this leafy green provides. So, do you have what it takes to tackle Swiss chard? Give it a try and become a Swiss chard master in no time!