Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also packed with nutrients? This Garlicky Swiss Chard Chickpea Stir Fry is your ticket to a quick, delicious meal that will have your taste buds dancing! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a Mediterranean-inspired feast that combines the earthy goodness of Swiss chard with the protein-packed punch of chickpeas. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is simple enough to master and impressive enough to wow your family and friends. Dive into this vibrant stir fry and discover how easy it is to enjoy a healthy, homemade meal that’s as satisfying as it is scrumptious!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the Swiss chard thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water and chop the leaves and stems into bite-sized pieces.
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas under cold water to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid. Set aside in a bowl.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely, ensuring you have a good amount of minced garlic to infuse the dish with flavor.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about 1 minute until it shimmers.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not browned.
- Next, add the chopped Swiss chard stems to the skillet first, as they take longer to cook. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Once the stems have softened, add the Swiss chard leaves to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the stems and garlic. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are wilted and tender.
- Now, add the drained chickpeas to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chickpeas are heated through.
- Season the stir fry with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes at this point and stir to distribute evenly.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the garlicky Swiss chard chickpea stir fry warm, either on its own or over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, wash and chop the Swiss chard and mince the garlic ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
- Customize Your Heat: If you love a bit of spice, don't hesitate to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to enhance the nutritional value and add more color to your dish.
- Perfectly Cooked Chickpeas: If you prefer a creamier texture, mash a few chickpeas before adding them to the stir fry. This will help thicken the dish and add richness.
- Serving Suggestions: This stir fry is delicious on its own, but for a heartier meal, serve it over cooked rice, quinoa, or even pasta. Top with a sprinkle of feta cheese or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
