Wine Braised Ruby Chard Food

WINE BRAISED RUBY CHARD

Steps:

• Wash the chard and remove the red stems. Chop the stems into 3/4" pieces. Set aside.
• Place all the leaves in a stack, and split lengthwise down the middle, then slice into 3/4" strips.
• In a large saucepan, on medium high, cook bacon in olive oil until bacon just starts to brown a bit. Add the sliced onion and the chopped stems. Sauté over medium heat until onions are very soft.
• Stir together the chicken broth and wine, and add to the onion mixture. Bring to a boil.
• Stir in all the swiss chard leaves, and cover the pot. Steam on LOW heat about 15 minutes, or to desired liking.
• Sprinkle portions with salt and pepper to serve. This is very good seasoned with my Aunt Sadie's hot pepper vinegar. That recipe is linked in the comments.

GARLICKY SAUTEED SWISS CHARD

Steps:

• Add the oil to a large saute pan with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat until the garlic turns golden. Remove the garlic and discard. Add the chopped Swiss chard ribs and saute until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the Swiss chard leaves and season with salt, to taste. Cook until the leaves are wilted. Stir in a splash of red wine vinegar. Serve immediately.

BRAISED SWISS CHARD WITH CURRANTS AND FETA

Steps:

• Cut stems and center ribs from chard, discarding any tough parts near base, then cut stems and ribs crosswise into 3/4-inch-thick slices. Coarsely chop leaves.
• Cook garlic in oil in a 4-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until pale golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Add chard stems and ribs, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes. Add currants and cook, stirring, until plump, about 1 minute. Add chard leaves and water and increase heat to moderate, then cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until leaves are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in feta.

BRAISED SWISS CHARD WITH RAISINS AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Tear Swiss Chard leaves into medium pieces.
• In large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Stir red onion in and saute for about 5 minutes or until the red onion slices are soft.
• Turn heat up to medium-high heat; add raisins and pine nuts, stir to toast the nuts.
• Add swiss chard, give it a couple of stirs to incorporate it with the other ingredients. If you are using the spinach, add it at this point instead of the Swiss Chard.
• Add water and cover the pan so the swiss chard will wilt. Usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes for this to happen. Even if you are using the spinach that you have cooked, cooled and strained of extra water - DON'T SKIP THIS STEP WITH YOUR PRE-COOKED, STRAINED SPINACH - if you skip this with your spinach, the texture will be "gummy." Trust me - I tried it.
• Put individual servings on plates, use salt and pepper to your taste and then, (my favorite part) - sprinkle with balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar.

BRAISED SWISS CHARD WITH BACON AND HOT SAUCE

Steps:

• Remove ribs and stems from Swiss chard leaves. Cut in half lengthwise, then slice crosswise into 2" pieces; set aside. Tear leaves into large pieces; set aside.
• Combine vinegar, hot sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Set sauce aside.
• Heat oil in a large pot over medium. Cook bacon, stirring often, until lightly browned and crisp, 7-10 minutes. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5-8 minutes. Add garlic and reserved chard stems; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until stems are crisp-tender, 7-10 minutes. Add reserved chard leaves a handful at a time, letting them wilt slightly before adding more. Add sauce and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper if needed.

BRAISED CHARD

Steps:

• Rinse the Swiss chard. Leave any water clinging to it. Chop it fine.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic, saute for a minute or so, then add the Swiss chard. Cook, stirring, until the Swiss chard begins to wilt. Cover the pan and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes.
• Uncover and cook, stirring, a few minutes longer. Stir in the scallions, season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.