BRAISED SWISS CHARD RECIPES

Steps:

• Slice the stems into 1-inch pieces and reserve. Stack the chard leaves into a pile. Roll together into a bundle and slice into 1/2-inch ribbons.
• Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and saute until browned, rendering the fat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent. Add the red pepper flakes and the chard stems, cook for 3 to 4 minutes and then season with salt and pepper.
• Begin to add the chard ribbons in batches. Once the chard wilts down, add the next batch. Stir occasionally until completely tender, about 5 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar and serve.

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 375F.
• Strip the Swiss chard leaves from the stems. Thinly slice the stems and chop the leaves.
• In a Dutch oven or heavy ovenproof pot, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Brown the links of sausage for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until well browned. Slice the links into rounds and set aside. Wipe pot and spritz with olive oil.
• Add the breadcrumbs to the pan and toast, stirring regularly, until golden.
• Add 1/3 of the garlic and cook for another minute, then remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Stir in the chopped parsley and set aside.
• Add the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil to the pan.
• Stir in the onion, saute for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the chard stems, carrots, and celery.
• Cook, stirring regularly, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and the moisture cooks out. If they start to give off too much liquid, increase the heat to medium-high.
• Add the remaining garlic and cook about a minute more.
• Pour in the wine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Increase the heat slightly and allow most of the liquid to cook off.
• Add the chicken, chicken broth, bay leaves and herbs and bring to an active simmer; cook until the liquid reduces by about half, 5 to 7 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed.
• Add the chopped chard leaves (working in batches if needed) and stir until they wilt slightly.
• Fold in the beans and sausage and stir.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste. I used 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, but you can reduce or omit for lower sodium.
• Transfer to the oven and cook, uncovered about 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the stew thickens. Serve topped with breadcrumbs.