Prepare to transform an ordinary vegetable into an extraordinary culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dinner guests! This Swiss Chard with Garlic and Anchovies recipe is not just a side dish—it's a flavor-packed journey through traditional Italian cuisine that brings together the earthy richness of Swiss chard, the pungent kick of garlic, and the umami depth of anchovies in one spectacular preparation.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Swiss chard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 anchovy fillets, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the Swiss chard. Rinse the leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water and place the chard on a cutting board.
- Trim the tough stems from the Swiss chard. You can do this by cutting the stems away from the leaves. Chop the stems into small pieces and set them aside. Roughly chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped Swiss chard stems to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chard stems. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Next, add the chopped Swiss chard leaves to the skillet. Toss the leaves with the garlic and stems, allowing them to wilt down. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the chard has wilted, add the chopped anchovy fillets to the skillet. Stir to combine, allowing the anchovies to melt into the mixture and impart their flavor. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the anchovies are salty, so adjust accordingly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the Swiss chard with garlic and anchovies to a serving dish. Serve warm as a side dish or as part of an Italian-inspired meal.
Tips
- Choose fresh, vibrant Swiss chard with crisp leaves and firm stems for the best texture and flavor.
- Thoroughly wash the chard to remove any sand or dirt, but don't soak it, as this can make the leaves soggy.
- When chopping stems, cut them into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Use low to medium heat when sautéing to prevent garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.
- The anchovies should melt into the dish, creating a rich, savory background flavor—don't be afraid of them!
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end of cooking.
- Serve immediately while the chard is still warm to enjoy its optimal texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 307kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
