If you’re looking for a creative and delicious way to use the rainbow Swiss chard from your weekly farm share, this sweet and sour braised chard is a must-try. Swiss chard is a nutrient-packed leafy green that deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation. Our rainbow variety is especially eye-catching, with vivid stems in shades of red, yellow, and pink. The entire plant is edible, and when cooked down with the right flavors, it transforms into a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grains, or even eggs.
At Caney Fork Farms, we’ve been harvesting lots of rainbow chard lately, which means it’s been showing up regularly in our Veggie CSA shares. We know not everyone is familiar with how to prepare it, so we’re sharing this fantastic recipe from Sweet Savant to help you make the most of your produce. It’s a great example of how to turn a simple green into something vibrant and flavorful.
(Recipe courtesy of Sweet Savant)
Ingredients
- 24 ounces rainbow or regular Swiss chard
- 1 large red onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 to 3 tablespoons grape jelly (adjust to taste)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the chard in cool water and drain thoroughly.
- Stack several leaves, roll them up, and slice into thin ribbons (chiffonade). Chop the stems and include them too.
- Thinly slice the red onion and red bell pepper.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat, add the olive oil, and sauté the onion until it starts to caramelize.
- Add the bell pepper and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the grape jelly and water until the jelly dissolves.
- Add the chard and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are tender.
- Finish with apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and serve warm.
Want more recipes like this? Sign up for our Veggie CSA to get weekly shares of fresh, organic vegetables straight from our farm. Rainbow Swiss chard is just one of many seasonal items we grow with care using regenerative farming practices.