Imagine transforming a simple bunch of Swiss chard into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This recipe isn't just another vegetable side dish—it's a gourmet experience that elevates humble greens into a restaurant-worthy delicacy. With the rich, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic and the vibrant, tender Swiss chard, you're about to create a dish that's both nutritious and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Swiss chard
- 1 head garlic, roasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the garlic.
- While the oven is heating, prepare the garlic. Take the head of garlic and slice off the top quarter of the bulb, exposing the individual cloves. This will help the garlic roast evenly and become soft.
- Wrap the garlic bulb in aluminum foil, drizzling a small amount of olive oil over the exposed cloves. Seal the foil tightly to create a packet.
- Place the foil-wrapped garlic in the oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before handling.
- While the garlic is roasting, rinse the Swiss chard under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water and then chop the chard into bite-sized pieces, separating the stems from the leaves.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped Swiss chard stems first and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Next, add the Swiss chard leaves to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are wilted and tender.
- Once the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the soft cloves out of their skins into the skillet with the Swiss chard. Use a wooden spoon to mix the garlic into the greens, breaking it up as you go.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Remove from heat and transfer the Swiss chard with roasted garlic to a serving dish. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp Swiss chard with bright, unblemished leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- When roasting garlic, ensure you wrap it tightly in foil to lock in moisture and prevent burning.
- Cut the chard stems slightly smaller than the leaves to ensure even cooking.
- Don't rush the roasting process—slow-roasted garlic develops a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- For extra richness, consider finishing the dish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the chard.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and are delicious when reheated or added to omelets and frittatas.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 122kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
