Prepare to transform your dinner table with a dish that's not just a meal, but a celebration of color, flavor, and nutrition! This Lemon Garlicky Rainbow Chard with Lentils is a knockout vegetarian recipe that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. Imagine a plate bursting with rainbow-hued chard, infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, perfectly complemented by hearty lentils - it's like a flavor explosion that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch rainbow chard, chopped
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the rainbow chard, removing any dirt or debris. Separate the stems from the leaves, and chop both into bite-sized pieces, keeping stems and leaves divided.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add chopped chard stems to the skillet first, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. This allows the tougher stems to become tender before adding the leaves.
- Incorporate the chopped chard leaves into the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the garlic and stems. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until leaves are wilted and bright green.
- Stir in the pre-cooked lentils, allowing them to warm through for 2-3 minutes. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the chard.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately while warm, optionally garnishing with additional lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Wash your rainbow chard thoroughly to remove any hidden dirt, and always separate stems from leaves for optimal cooking texture.
- Be gentle with garlic - sauté it just until fragrant to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Cook chard stems first, as they take longer to soften compared to the delicate leaves.
- Use pre-cooked lentils to save time, but ensure they're heated through and well-distributed.
- Fresh lemon juice is key - it brightens the entire dish and adds a vibrant, tangy note.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance of salt, pepper, and lemon.
- Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 141kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
