As I had previously mentioned my first experience with Chard was not a good one. It was so bitter I caught myself wiping my tongue afterwards. While I got lovely suggestions from some fellow bloggers I was still hesitant to try it again. It’s just been growing in the garden to the point that the larger leaves are bigger than my head. That is until I went to the library and as a joke I skimmed through the “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” book and found a recipe. I figured if a cheesy reality show has a recipe it must be sign that I am meant to try it. (My college roommates and I would watch this show all the time). The recipe called for me to boil the chard for two minutes and then rinse in cool water. After that saute in olive oil with sliced garlic, almonds, and red pepper flakes. It was surprisingly delicious. I’ve been given the go ahead to try the other recipes. If your like me and was put off by the raw chard please give some these suggestions a try.
Recipes Suggested by Internet Friends:
My Garden Plot: Halibut or Salmon in Chard Leaves and with Lemon Thyme Butter. This would certainly appeal to my seafood loving boyfriend.
Hanna: Suggested using Chard as an ingredient in Stir Fry or Sautee.
Seeded: She had a number of great suggestions such as using it in soups, saute with garlic and salt and then add lentils and caramelized onions. (I can’t wait to try that one).
Momisodes: Suggested using it as replacement for spinach recipes.
The Maniac Gardner: She provided a great list of ideas including, as an ingredient in Indian dishes, sauteed with butter, cumin and mustard seed (which tastes nothing like mustard), garlic (lots–six cloves with 10 big leaves), and if you want, chopped tomatoes.
Pancake Mama: Had a recipe for Chard Torte that would be interesting.
Recipe Zaar: Chard Ziti which also looked pretty good.
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