Swiss chard with raisins and pine nuts

Gather the ingredients for this recipe from your local farmers' market.

Contributed by Preston Maring, MD


Swiss chard with raisins and pine nuts

This recipe is a healthy blend of non-sugar and sugar crop items you can find at local farmers' markets. Pick up different colors of chard, an onion, some raisins, and sliced almonds or pine nuts. 

This is the first chard recipe I have shared. It won't be the last.

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches Swiss chard
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts (you can substitute with almonds or sunflower seeds)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup raisins, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

  1. Tear or cut the chard leaves from the main stems after rinsing them.
  2. Coarsely chop the leaves and stems separately. 
  3. In a large, heavy pot and a bit of oil, toast the nuts for just a couple of minutes until golden brown. Remove the nuts with a slotted spoon. 
  4. Cook the onion in the oil for a minute, then add the stems and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
  5. Add raisins and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook until the stems start to become tender. 
  6. Add the leaves and remaining 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook until the leaves are tender, about 3 minutes. 
  7. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with nuts.