PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Swiss chard, also known simply as chard, is a beet that is grown for its deep green leaves instead of its root. Swiss chard is highly nutritious and is a good source of several vitamins. It also contains more minerals than most other greens and is very high in fiber. And if it's prepared and cooked the right way, it's absolutely delicious. If you want to know how to prepare your Swiss chard and use it in a variety of delicious recipes, just follow these steps.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1/2 diced small red onion
  • 1 bunch Swiss chard
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • 1 clove crushed garlic
  • 1 8 oz. package portobello mushrooms
  • 1 chopped leek
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 bunch Swiss chard
  • 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup dry Sherry
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 4 thinly-sliced garlic cloves
  • 4 bunches Swiss chard
  • 1 red jalapeño
  • 1 tbsp. grated lemon zest
  • 2 tsp. lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Choose and Prepare Swiss Chard

PDF download Download Article
  1. To choose your Swiss chard, you should look for leaves that are bright and bushy, not browned, wilted, or damaged. The stems of Swiss Chard are delicate so you should look for stems that are firm and unbruised. Though there are a variety of Swiss chard forms, any type of shard should look healthy, full, buoyant, and not wilted or droopy.
  2. There are several varieties of Swiss chard. Their ribs, which are the parts of the stems that extend up into the leaves, can be red, white, or yellow. The varieties have different tastes, so experiment to find which kind you prefer. Swiss chard with red ribs is often a little sweeter, with less bitter undertone than Swiss chard with white ribs. All the varieties of chard can be prepared the same way, but they can have a different flavor. [1]
    • The ribs of different varieties of Swiss chard are different widths. Some people prefer the ribs of the Swiss chard and some like the leaves best. If you prefer the ribs, choose Swiss chard with wide ribs. If you like the leaves best, choose Swiss chard with thinner ribs. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Before you cook the chard, you'll need to wash it. The first thing you should do is wash it well, by rinsing it in a sink full of cold water. You can even drain the water and repeat, unless the chard is free of dirt. If you got the chard at a farmers' market, it will be extra fresh and more likely to have dirt on it, so wash thoroughly. Don't wash the chard until right before you're going to cook it, or it will wilt. [3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Small leaves of Swiss chard can be left whole or added to salad, and larger leaves with thin ribs can also be left whole for cooking. But if you're cooking Swiss chard with thick ribs, then you should separate the ribs from the leaves by tearing the leaves away from the ribs, because the ribs will need to cook for a few more minutes since they are tougher than the leaves. [4]
  5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Cook Swiss Chard

PDF download Download Article
  1. Add thick ribs to the steamer a few minutes before the green parts of the leaves. The leaves will cook in 1 to 2 minutes. Swiss chard is done when it is wilted and tender. [5]
  2. Steam Swiss chard with thin ribs whole in the microwave with the water that remains on its leaves after washing. This should take 1 to 2 minutes. Microwaves vary in intensity, so be sure to check your Swiss chard frequently until you have determined how long it takes to cook in your microwave. If you overcook it, it will be soggy, so start checking its appearance after one minute.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Place it in enough water to cover it fully. Add thick stems to the water 1 or 2 minutes before the green parts of the leaves. Then cook 1 to 2 minutes more. [6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Place 2–3 tablespoons (29.6–44.4 ml) of olive oil or butter in a pan and wait for it to heat up. Then, add the Swiss chard stems and cook them for 2-3 minutes before you add the chard leaves. You can even chop the stems into 4-inch parts to manage them more easily. Continue cooking the chard for up to five minutes until it's tender. [7]
  5. You can freeze Swiss chard and store it for up to a year. Wash your Swiss chard and then blanch it in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. Cool Swiss chard in an ice bath. Drain the Swiss chard and pack it into zippered freezer bags with no headspace. Put it in the freezer. [8]
  6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Make Sautéed Swiss Chard with Parmesan

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Tear the leaves away from the stems and center ribs. Chop them coarsely and place them in a bowl.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Cut them into 2-3 inch (5-7.6 cm) pieces.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    butter and 2 tablespoon (29.6 ml). olive oil in a large skillet. Melt them over medium-high heat and wait for the butter to melt completely.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    minced garlic and 1/2 diced small red onion. Cook them together for at least 20 seconds, until the mixture is fragrant.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Simmer the stems for 5 minutes or until they begin to soften.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Cook the chard until the leaves are wilted, at least another 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and place the chard into a bowl.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese. Mix the chard until you've distributed the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt.
  8. Place the chard on a serving dish and enjoy it as a side dish.
  9. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Make Savory Swiss Chard

PDF download Download Article
  1. Cut the portobello mushrooms from one 8 oz. package into pieces that are 1/2 to 2 inches (1.2 to 5 cm) long.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    You don't have to chop it into perfectly-sized pieces -- just cut it enough so the chard can fit into the pan, with leaves that are no more than 5 inches (12 cm) long.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    crushed red pepper and 1 clove crushed garlic into the oil.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Stir the mushrooms until they have softened and have begun to release their liquid. This should take 3-5 minutes.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Cook for 5 more minutes, until the leek has softened.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Cover the mixture and simmer it until the chard leaves wilted. This should take about 10 minutes.
  8. Keep cooking the chard until it's tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. Make sure not to burn the chard if the liquid has evaporated too early. This should take about five minutes.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Let the chard stand until the cheese is melted.
  10. Serve the chard and portobellos as a side dish, or even as a main course. You can top some quinoa or whole wheat pasta with the chard for a delicious meal.
  11. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Make Sweet and Spicy Swiss Chard

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    You won't need them for this recipe.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
  4. Let the mixture cool.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Let the almonds cook until they begin to brown, stirring frequently. This should take about 2 minutes.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Cook for a minute, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This should take about 1 minute.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Add the chard in handfuls, tossing them to wilt them to make room for the next handful of chard. Cook until the chard is tender, which should take about 4 minutes.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    grated lemon zest, 2 tsp. lemon juice, and 1 thinly-sliced red jalapeño to the mixture.
  11. Watermark wikiHow to Prepare and Cook Swiss Chard
    Toss the chard to combine all of the flavors.
  12. Serve this sweet and spicy chard as a side dish.
  13. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Do you eat the stems of Swiss chard?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Certainly, you can eat the stems of Swiss chard. Wash them before cooking. They may need to be finely chopped if they’re thick (usually the case when the stems are on more mature, older chard), while younger, thinner stems can be chopped more widely, sliced or halved and added to stir-fries or other dishes.
  • Question
    What is the best way to cook Swiss chard?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    The best way to cook Swiss chard depends on whether you’re focusing on it or adding it to a main meal. For example, if you want to cook it as a side dish, it is probably best to saute the chard, using your choice of oil, butter or water. If you want to add the chard to something, a typical choice is stir-fry but it can also be great in dishes like lasagna or vegetable pie.
  • Question
    What part of Swiss chard is edible?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can eat all of the Swiss chard, both the leaves and the stems. If the stems are older and thick, chop them finely; if younger and fine, chop widely or use as sliced halves. Always wash well before eating raw or for cooking.
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Swiss chard with red ribs will bleed its color onto other foods that are prepared with it.
      • There are other ways to preserve Swiss Chard, including canning. Swiss chard must be pressure canned because of it's low acidity.
      • Try simmering Swiss chard with vinegar to help cut through some of the bitterness.
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Swiss chard does not store well. It is best to buy or harvest Swiss chard within 3 days of when you plan to eat it, and even closer if possible.


      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to prepare and cook Swiss chard, choose a bundle of greens that are bright and bushy, with firm, unbruised stems. Right before you’re going to cook the Swiss chard, wash it thoroughly. To cook the Swiss chard, you can steam the leaves in a steamer or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, you can simmer it in a pan of water on the stove, or you can saute the leaves in olive oil or butter for several minutes over medium heat. Keep reading for a delicious recipe for sauteed Swiss chard with parmesan cheese!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 582,134 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Charlene Gilbert

        Aug 10, 2017

        "I never cooked chard before and wanted to know how to cook it. The information was helpful. This is something I ..." more
        Rated this article:
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement