Name: Sautéed Swiss Chard with Garlic
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 3 garlic cloves , sliced thin; 1 1/2 pounds Swiss chard , stems sliced 1/4 inch thick on bias (3 cups), leaves sliced into 1/2-inch-wide strips (10 cups); Kosher salt and pepper; 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Why This Recipe Works

The key to mastering sautéed Swiss chard is to get the stems to finish cooking at the same time as the leaves. Unlike spinach, which has stems that cook down as quickly as the leaves do, and kale, with ribs that are so tough that they are only good for the compost bin, Swiss chard stems fall somewhere in the middle. In our recipe, we slice the stems thin on the bias so that they cook quickly and evenly. Sautéing the stems first over relatively high heat provides a desirable tender-crisp texture and lightly caramelized flavor that acts as a foil to the tender leaves, which are added later in two stages.

Before You Begin

This recipe will work with any color of Swiss chard.

Instructions

Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just shimmering. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, 30 to 60 seconds. Add chard stems and ¼ teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until spotty brown and crisp-tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Add two-thirds of chard leaves and cook, tossing with tongs, until just starting to wilt, 30 to 60 seconds. Add remaining chard leaves and ¼ teaspoon salt and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until leaves are tender, about 3 minutes longer. Remove pan from heat, stir in lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.