Imagine a dish that's not just a side, but a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Garlicky Swiss Chard with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Chickpeas is about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of nutritious greens, protein-packed chickpeas, and bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors that will elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or someone looking to impress dinner guests, this recipe is your secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch swiss chard, chopped
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the Swiss chard under cold running water, removing any dirt or debris. Separate the leaves from the stems, and chop both into bite-sized pieces.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander, shaking off excess water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure they'll crisp nicely when cooking.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the chopped Swiss chard stems first and cook for 2-3 minutes, as they take longer to soften compared to the leaves.
- Introduce the chickpeas to the pan and sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing them to develop a light golden color and slight crispness.
- Add the Swiss chard leaves and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes until the leaves are wilted and tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course, optionally garnishing with additional olive oil or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Swiss Chard Prep Magic: Always separate stems from leaves. The stems take longer to cook, so add them first to ensure even tenderness.
- Chickpea Crispiness Secret: Pat chickpeas completely dry before sautéing. This ensures they develop a delightful golden exterior instead of steaming.
- Garlic Flavor Bomb: Use fresh garlic and mince it finely. Watch your heat carefully - burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin the entire dish.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Tip: If your sun-dried tomatoes seem too dry, briefly soak them in warm water to plump them up before chopping.
- Seasoning Strategy: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go. The sun-dried tomatoes already bring some saltiness to the dish.
- Serving Suggestion: This versatile recipe works beautifully as a side dish, but can also be a light main course when served over quinoa or rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
