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Swiss Chard Sautéed with Raisins and Pine Nuts

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This quick and elegant Mediterranean-inspired side dish features tender Swiss chard sautéed with golden raisins and buttery pine nuts, finished with a splash of vinegar for brightness. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large bunch Swiss chard (about 12 oz), washed and chopped (leaves and stems separated)
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins (or regular raisins)
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash Swiss chard thoroughly and dry. Separate stems from leaves. Chop stems into 1/2-inch pieces and slice leaves into 1-inch ribbons.
  2. Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low. Add pine nuts and toast, stirring often, until golden and fragrant (2-3 minutes). Transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until just fragrant and barely golden (30-45 seconds).
  4. Add chopped chard stems and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened and starting to turn translucent.
  5. Add sliced chard leaves to the pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir gently to coat with oil. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring once, until leaves are wilted and tender but still vibrant green.
  6. Uncover and scatter golden raisins over the chard. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes, until raisins plump and soften.
  7. Drizzle red wine vinegar over the mixture. Stir well and cook for another 30 seconds, just until the vinegar sizzles and lifts the flavors.
  8. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the sautéed chard and gently toss.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm, optionally topped with grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Notes

For vegan, skip Parmesan cheese. Substitute pine nuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for nut-free. Don’t overcook chard to avoid sogginess. Toast pine nuts carefully—they burn quickly. Use a lid to help wilt greens and plump raisins. Finish with a splash of olive oil for extra richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Swiss chard, sautéed greens, Mediterranean side, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy vegetable recipe, pine nuts, raisins, healthy side dish

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/swiss-chard-saut-e-ed-with-raisins-and-pine-nuts-easy-20-minute-recipe/