Market Watch: Rainbow Chard

My CSA box is erupting with gigantic bunches of this leafy green veggie. This variety of Swiss chard has fluffy, tender green leaves and edible stems bursting with color and flavor.
pasta with chard

FN_Giada De Laurentiis Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Swiss Chard and Pecorino Cheese.tif

Food Network Giada De Laurentiis' Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Swiss Chard and Pecorino Cheese recipe.

©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

My CSA box is erupting with gigantic bunches of this leafy green veggie. This variety of Swiss chard has fluffy, tender green leaves and edible stems bursting with color and flavor.

Chard is low in calories and packed with nutrients like potassium, iron and vitamins C and K. Use it anywhere you would used cooked spinach—the flavor is similar, only chard is slightly bitter (in a good way).  And don’t forget those beautiful stems, they just need a few extra minutes of cooking—add them to the pan or pot a few minutes ahead of the leaves.

My top 5 favorite things to do with Swiss chard.

  1. Sauté with olive oil, garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar
  2. Use sautéed leftovers (see #1) for a pizza topping -- my hands-down favorite!
  3. Add to stir-fry
  4. Wilt into tomato sauce and serve over pasta
  5. Add to soup
Recipes to try:

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