Are you ready to transform an ordinary vegetable side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds? This Swiss Chard with Olives and Raisins recipe is not just a simple vegetable preparation, but a vibrant journey through Mediterranean flavors that will make your dinner guests wonder about your secret cooking skills. Imagine a dish that perfectly balances the earthy bitterness of Swiss chard, the salty punch of black olives, and the surprising sweetness of raisins - all harmoniously blended in one incredible side dish that takes just 25 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Swiss chard
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 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 set aside.
- Remove the thick stems from the Swiss chard leaves. You can do this by folding the leaf in half and slicing along the stem. Chop the stems into small pieces and set aside. Roughly chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped Swiss chard stems and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Next, add the chopped Swiss chard leaves to the skillet. Sauté the leaves for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are wilted and tender.
- While the chard is cooking, prepare the olives and raisins. If using whole olives, slice them into rings. Measure out 1/2 cup of black olives and 1/4 cup of raisins.
- Once the Swiss chard is cooked down, add the sliced olives and raisins to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the Swiss chard with olives and raisins to a serving dish.
- Serve warm as a side dish or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Enjoy your delicious Swiss chard with olives and raisins!
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp Swiss chard with bright green leaves and firm stems for the best flavor and texture.
- Always thoroughly wash Swiss chard to remove any dirt, and pat dry before chopping to prevent excess water in your dish.
- Don't discard the stems! Chopping and sautéing them adds wonderful texture and reduces food waste.
- Control your heat carefully when sautéing garlic to prevent burning, which can make the dish bitter.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes at the end of cooking.
- This dish is incredibly versatile - serve it as a side, mix it with grains like quinoa, or use it as a warm salad base.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 134kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
