Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts

Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts Recipe from Switzerland

Region / culture: Switzerland | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of chard with the sweetness of raisins and the crunch of pine nuts. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful side dish that is easy to prepare.

History

Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts is a traditional Mediterranean dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of chard, raisins, and pine nuts is a classic flavor profile that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

2 cups of water
1.5 tsp of salt
2 lb (907 g) of chard, stems removed and leaves coarsely chopped
0.25 cups of olive oil
1 slice of Spanish ham, finely diced
0.25 cups of pine nuts
0.25 cups of raisins, soaked in hot water to cover for 1 hour to soften and drained

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat.
Add salt and chard, then cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Drain chard, pressing firmly to remove any excess liquid.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over high heat.
Add ham and sauté, stirring for 2 minutes to lightly color.
Add pine nuts, then stir well and add chard and raisins, mixing well.
Cook briefly, stirring, until all ingredients are heated through.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute golden raisins for regular raisins for a sweeter flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Top with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the stems from the chard before cooking, as they can be tough and fibrous.

- Pressing the cooked chard firmly to remove excess liquid will help prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

- Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts can be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, or as a main dish with a side of quinoa or couscous.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the chard before sautéing helps to soften the leaves and remove any bitterness.

- Sautéing the ham and pine nuts before adding the chard allows their flavors to develop and enhance the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swiss chard can be substituted for rainbow or red chard.

- Bacon can be used in place of Spanish ham for a smokier flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts can be prepared up to a day in advance and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts in a colorful serving dish garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 14g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Chard is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pine nuts) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts is a nutritious dish that is high in vitamins and minerals, while also providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy meal. Enjoy the combination of sweet raisins, crunchy pine nuts, and tender chard in this delicious recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Italy. Maria was a fabulous cook, and she always seemed to know the most delicious and unique recipes. That day, she invited me into her kitchen to watch her prepare a traditional dish that her grandmother had taught her many years ago.

As I watched Maria work her magic in the kitchen, I was completely mesmerized by the way she effortlessly chopped, sautéed, and seasoned each ingredient with such precision and care. The aromas that filled the air were absolutely intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

The dish Maria was preparing was a simple yet flavorful combination of chard, raisins, and pine nuts. She explained to me that this dish was a staple in her family, passed down through generations, and was a true representation of the flavors of her homeland.

I eagerly watched as Maria washed and chopped the chard, then sautéed it with garlic and olive oil until it was tender and wilted. Next, she added plump raisins and toasted pine nuts, giving the dish a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Finally, she seasoned it with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, bringing all the flavors together in perfect harmony.

When Maria finally plated the dish and handed me a forkful to taste, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The tender chard, the plump raisins, the crunchy pine nuts – it was a symphony of taste and texture that I had never experienced before.

I begged Maria to teach me how to make this dish, and she graciously agreed. We spent the rest of the afternoon cooking together, sharing stories and laughter as we bonded over our love of food and tradition.

When I returned home from my visit with Maria, I couldn't wait to recreate the recipe in my own kitchen. I gathered all the necessary ingredients – fresh chard, plump raisins, toasted pine nuts – and set to work, channeling the techniques and flavors that Maria had taught me.

As I cooked, I thought back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, and I could almost hear her voice guiding me through each step of the recipe. I sautéed the chard with garlic and olive oil, added the raisins and pine nuts, seasoned it with salt and lemon juice, and marveled at the beautiful dish that emerged before me.

When I sat down to taste the finished product, I was transported back to Maria's kitchen in Italy. The flavors were just as I remembered – sweet, savory, nutty, and tangy all at once. It was a dish that truly captured the essence of tradition and love, and I felt grateful to have learned it from such a wonderful friend.

Over the years, I have continued to make this recipe for Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts, sharing it with friends and family who are always amazed by its unique and delicious flavors. Each time I cook it, I think of Maria and the special bond we formed over a shared love of food and tradition.

And so, this recipe has become more than just a dish to me – it is a reminder of the wonderful friendships and experiences that food can bring into our lives. It is a testament to the power of tradition and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. And it is a delicious reminder of the day I learned to make Chard with Raisins and Pine Nuts from my dear friend Maria.