Recipes for Swiss Chards and Leeks

Planning meals that are healthy and delicious can be challenging but look no further than recipes for Swiss chard and leeks for easy options. These versatile vegetables can either enhance other ingredients or take center stage in casseroles, soups and other types of cuisine.

Swiss chard is a type of beet that is cultivated for its stalks and leaves rather than its root. Use it in recipes interchangeably with beet greens for lovely results. This vegetable is high in anti-oxidants, fiber, vitamins A and C, iron and potassium and is easy to grow even for an amateur gardener.

The culinary rule when handling Swiss chard is to prepare the stalks similar to asparagus and treat the leaves like spinach. The taste of chard is more full-bodied than spinach and its texture is more robust, so keep that difference in mind when trying it in a recipe. Use Swiss chard in stuffing, soups or stews. Boil, steam, braise, sauté, or prepare it raw and it combines very effectively with other compatible vegetables such as leeks.

• One bunch of Swiss chard - cut off stems and chop coarsely (use leaves for another dish)
• One cup of baby spinach leaves, washed
• One medium yellow beet, diced small
• Three small heirloom tomatoes cut into eighths
• One small red onion, peeled and chopped into small dice
• One stalk of celery, chopped into small dice
• Two garlic cloves, finely minced
• One small bunch of parsley, chopped, to taste
• One small handful of thyme, chopped to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
• Champagne vinegar, as needed
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Combine all the chopped vegetables in an attractive manner and spread on platter or individual plates.
2. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs and seasonings to taste and set aside
3. Either serve immediately or allow to mellow overnight to enhance the flavor of the dish.

• Swiss Chard with Cream
• Whitefish with Swiss Chard
• Swiss Chard, Bacon and Anchovies
• Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup
• Sausage Potato and Swiss Chard Soup
• Swiss Chard Gratin
• White Bean Pasta Swiss Chard Soup
• Swiss Chard Frittata
• Swiss Chard and Caramelized Onion Tacos

The leek is a gorgeous Allium, similar to scallions in appearance with lovely green and white coloring but a mellower taste. People often avoid cooking with leeks because of the difficult to remove sand and grit found throughout its many layers. However, with judicious washing this root vegetable is a great addition to any recipe that has onion in the ingredients. Leeks are rich in potassium as well as many other minerals and vitamins crucial to good health and can be eaten everyday in a variety of delicious dishes.

• Three slices of lean bacon, chopped fine
• Two leeks halved lengthwise, sliced thin crosswise, and washed well
• Two small tomatoes, seeded and chopped coarsely
• One teaspoon finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
• One quarter cup half-and-half
• One quarter cup chicken broth

1. In a large skillet cook the bacon until it is crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon to paper towels to drain.
2. Cook the leek in the fat remaining in the pan, over medium low heat until soft, about ten minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato, tarragon, the half-and-half, the broth.
4. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until thickened.
5. Stir in the bacon and season.

• Leek Soup
• Caramelized Leek, Goat Cheese and Lemon Tarts
• Halibut with Carrot and Leeks
• Leek and Rice Soup with Smoked Gouda
• Mac and Cheese with Gorgonzola and Leeks
• Leek and Mushroom Risotto
• Roasted Chicken Breasts with Smoked Gouda and Leeks
• Leek Vinaigrette

These two vegetables marry well together in taste and texture to create wonderful dishes that are equally perfect for a comforting family meal or an elegant dinner party. Creating unique recipes for Swiss chard and leeks is not difficult and can be extremely satisfying when tasting the results.

Zuppa di Porri e Bietole

• One tablespoon unsalted butter
• One tablespoon olive oil
• Three leeks, trimmed, cut into small slices
• 12 ounces Swiss chard, cut into one-inch pieces
• Eight cups homemade chicken stock
• One cup Arborio rice
• Salt and pepper
• One half cup shredded Asiago cheese

1. In a large heavy stockpot, cook the leeks in the butter and oil on low heat until translucent and slightly caramelized.
2. Add the Swiss chard and chicken stock. Increase heat to bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until the chard wilts, about eight minutes.
4. Add the rice, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and simmer over low heat until the rice is cooked, about 20 minutes.
6. Stir in cheese and serve.

Find some more delicious recipes at the following links:

• Penne with Swiss Chard and Leeks in a Walnut Cream Sauce
• Leek and Swiss Chard Tart
• Swiss Chard with Leeks and Shitakes
• Swiss Chard Leek Pie
• Baked Eggs with Leeks and Swiss Chard
• Bulgur with Leeks and Swiss Chard
• Swiss Chard Leek Goat Cheese Tart
• French Lentil and Swiss Chard Risotto

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