So you got your hands on some Swiss Chard but don’t know what to do with the stems? Don’t worry, we’ll show you how to make use of this otherwise wasted and delicious vegetable!
Chop ‘Em Up
The stems of Swiss Chard are sometimes thicker than the leaves, so it might be easier to chop them into small pieces. This is a great way to enjoy the flavor of the stems as part of a salad or a stir-fry. If you are wanting to sauté or roast your Swiss Chard, give the stems a few minutes head start, since they will take slightly longer to cook than the leaves.
Stir-Fry ‘Em
You can throw in the stems in with the leaves when stir-frying Swiss Chard. If you are using them in a stir-fry, it is best to start by lightly sautéing them in oil over a medium heat. This will soften them and ensure that they are lightly cooked. You can then add any other ingredients or seasonings you like.
Pickle ‘Em
Making pickled Swiss Chard stems is a great way to enjoy the flavor of them all year round. You will need to blanch them first, to help soften them. Once they are blanched, all you will need to do is add them to a jar with pickling liquid and let them steep for several weeks before you are able to enjoy them.
Freeze ‘Em
If you would like to enjoy your Swiss Chard stems throughout the year, freezing is a great option. You can chop or slice the stems into smaller pieces, then blanch them and freeze them in an airtight container. You can then use these frozen pieces in all manner of dishes such as soups and stews.
In conclusion, Swiss Chard stems are a great addition to many dishes! You can chop them, stir-fry them, pickle them, or even freeze them for later use. Don’t miss out on this delicious and nutritious vegetable – you won’t be sorry!