Sautéed Swiss Chard With Garlic and Lemon
A fast, simple way to cook Swiss chard fresh from the garden. Garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon, with the stems cooked right alongside the leaves. Ready in about 20 minutes.
Servings: 4
Calories: 83kcal
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch Swiss chard about 8 to 10 cups chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 lemon juiced (about 1 tablespoon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the chard well. Slice the stems off the base of the leaves and cut them crosswise into half-inch pieces. Roughly chop the leaves into two-inch pieces. Keep stems and leaves separate.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the stems and cook 3 to 4 minutes, until they begin to soften.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
- Add the leaves and toss. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until wilted, covering the pan briefly if needed to help them steam.
- Turn off the heat. Squeeze the lemon over the chard, season with salt and pepper, and toss. Serve right away.
Notes
- Measure chard by the cup, not the bunch. Leaf size changes a lot through the season, so cups give a more accurate amount.
- Any color of chard works. I grow rainbow chard for the mix of red, gold, pink, and white stems.
- The stems take longer than the leaves, so always start them first.
- For more garden flavor, sauté chopped I'itoi onions (greens included) or garlic chives along with the garlic.
- No lemon on hand? A splash of vinegar gives the same bright finish.
- Make it a meal by serving over polenta or grains, or alongside roast chicken or salmon.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.
Nutrition
Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 156mg | Potassium: 303mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 4444IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg
