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How to Cook Swiss Chard

If you’ve ever wondered how to cook Swiss chard, we’ve got the answers here along with one of our favorite delicious and simple sauteed Swiss chard with garlic recipe.

Platter of cooked Swiss chard and garlic as a side dish next to a platter of chopped tomatoes.

How to Cook Swiss Chard: All the Many Ways

Considered part of the beet family, Swiss chard grows well in both cool and warm climates. Both the stem and leaves can be eaten either raw or cooked making it a very versatile plant. Check out this post on how to plant beets for more information on growing your own. With so many ways to cook Swiss chard, you won’t be disappointed!

Raw

Swiss chard is a tasty option for adding to healthy green leaf salad. Simply chop the leaves and stems after washing and add them to a salad with your favourite vinaigrette dressing.

Boiled

Boiled Swiss chard with baby potatoes on a serving platter.

Since Swiss chard tends to be hard or rather “tough”, especially the stem, it is best to boil it in water to help soften. We recently shared this traditional blitva recipe, a Croatian boiled Swiss chard with red potatoes side dish we’re sure you’ll love.

Baked

Baking is another great option for cooking Swiss chard. Break up the leaves into course pieces and place on a baking sheet with oil and salt to make swiss chard chips, similar to kale chips.

Steamed

Another method for softening the stems and leaves is to steam. Simply add the chopped Swiss chard into steamer or double boiler works well too.

Saute

Swiss chard can be sauteed from fresh but it’s best to add some form of liquid, such as tomato juice (or water) for moisture. When we cook with Swiss chard, it’s usually a combination of boiling or steaming along with sauteing.

Glass plate of Swiss chard with garlic sauteed in a buttery broth.

High in vitamins A, C and K, adding chard to your diet is a healthy choice. Also a good source of magnesium, iron and dietary fiber.

Simple Swiss Chard and Garlic Recipe

Delicious Swiss Chard and Garlic Side Dish

Jane and Sonja
A delicious and healthy side dish made from boiled Swiss chard and then sauteed with garlic.
5 from 10 votes
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 71 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups Swiss chard, cut into 4” long pieces
  • 10 cloves garlic, chopped medium sized
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Wash the Swiss chard and cut into 4" long pieces.
  • Add water to a medium sized pot and bring to boil.
  • Add Swiss chard to boiling water and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Drain, saving ½ cup of the broth (liquid) for sauteeing.
  • Add 2 tbsp butter to a frying pan and cook on medium heat.
  • Add chopped garlic to the pan with melted butter. Add salt and pepper and then mix together.
  • Saute garlic for about 2 minutes. Before the garlic begins to brown, add the Swiss chard and broth to the pan.
  • Mix together and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 71kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 148mgPotassium: 201mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2930IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg
Keyword garden vegetables, side dish
Tried this recipe?Tag @sustainmycookinghabit or #sustainmycookinghabit!

Looking for More Swiss Chard Recipes?

Try out these delicious recipes to make with Swiss chard:

What to Serve Swiss Chard with?

Serve as a side dish alongside baked chicken drumsticks or homestyle grilled chicken shish kabobs or serve the Swiss chard and garlic over top of cooked rice.

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Recipe Rating




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Allyssa

Tuesday 8th of June 2021

Thanks a lot for this recipe! It's really easy to understand and to make! Highly recommended!

Natalie

Monday 7th of June 2021

I always use olive oil when making chard. Never tried butter. I will definitely try now. Sounds so delicious. Thanks for this lovely idea.

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