Today’s menu features a nice dish of pan-fried chard and potatoes.
Chard and potatoes is a classic side dish of Italian cuisine, known and appreciated for its simplicity. Ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
The Beta vulgaris, commonly known as chard, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family. It is a green leafy vegetable much appreciated for its nutritional characteristics and culinary versatility.
Chard has broad leaves of a deep green color. It has a prominent central rib that can vary in color, from white to yellow to red, depending on the variety.
It has a delicate flavor similar to spinach, while the central rib has a crunchier texture and a sweeter taste.
Chard is an excellent source of vitamins, especially A, C, and K, and minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. It is also rich in fiber which promotes regular bowel movements.
Pan-fried chard and potatoes is one of those dishes you can make with a few dollars, zero effort, and little time.
And considering that it’s low in calories, it’s also suitable for low-calorie diets.
The term “chard” indicates the plant as a whole, consisting of the leaves and the rib.
The term “chards” refers to the individual leaves of chard or more plants of it. While the term “rib” indicates the central part of the chard leaf, thicker and crunchier.
Chard is very versatile in the kitchen and can be prepared in various ways. For example, boiled or steamed for a lighter cooking, which allows you to best preserve its nutritional properties.
Great if sautéed in a pan with garlic, oil, and chili pepper for a tasty and quick side dish. Or gratinated in the oven with cheese and béchamel, for a richer and more flavorful dish.
It is also perfect for making soups and broths or eaten raw in delicious salads (only the younger leaves).
But now let’s see how to prepare a nice dish of chard with potatoes and chili pepper.
Other delicious and simple side dishes I recommend you try:
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 1 bunch chard (approximately 2.2 lbs for 4 people)
- 4 potatoes (medium-sized)
- 2 cloves garlic
- chili pepper (fresh or dried, only if desired)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt
Tools
- Casserole
- Cutting Board
- Lid
- Frying Pan
- Slotted Spoon
- Peeler
- Knife
Steps
First, let’s focus on the potatoes.
Peel them, rinse well under water, and cut them into cubes of the same size if possible.
Place them in a casserole, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, and cook until soft.
In the meantime, separate the leaves from the rib, which we’ll cut into small pieces to speed up cooking.
Cut the leaves into pieces as well, then wash everything thoroughly under cold water to remove any soil residues.
In a large pan, add the ribs first and let them cook for about ten minutes with a lid, over low heat.
During cooking, the chard will release its vegetation water, allowing us to cook it in the best way.
Add a bit of water only if necessary. Once the ribs are tender, add the leaves and finish cooking.
The dish is ready! Now we just need to make it more flavorful!
If there is too much vegetation water left at the bottom of the pan, drain it and then add the olive oil.
Add the potatoes, season with salt, pepper (if desired), and sauté for a few minutes.
For a richer side dish, we can add pitted black olives, salted capers, or toasted pine nuts.Plate and serve up this easy and so tasty dish!
I hope you enjoyed this recipe and that you will try it if you haven’t yet!
Article protected by copyright © – Gabriella Geroni © All rights reserved
FAQs
Once cooked, how do I store the chard with potatoes?
The cooked pan-fried chard and potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, in an airtight container to prevent picking up other odors.
How do I store fresh chard that hasn’t been cooked yet?
Fresh chard can be kept in the refrigerator for several days, preferably wrapped in a damp cloth. It’s also possible to freeze chard after blanching or boiling it for a few minutes.
Can I freeze chard and potatoes after cooking them?
Absolutely! If you’ve made a large batch and want to avoid waste, you can freeze the cooked chard and potatoes for up to 3 months. To thaw, move them to the refrigerator the night before to thaw gradually, then reheat in a pan or microwave.
How can I pair this side dish for a complete meal?
Pan-fried chard and potatoes pair perfectly with:
Meat main dishes such as veal roast, baked chicken, pork ribs.
Fish main dishes such as oven-baked cod fillets, swordfish, potato and salmon patties.
Or with cheeses like Pecorino Romano, salted ricotta, smoked scamorza, etc.When is chard available?
Chard is available all year round, but its peak season is fall and winter.
I have leftover chard and potatoes, how can I use them?
Besides quickly reheating them in a pan and serving again as a side dish with meat or fish, you can try making ricotta patties.
Instead of the classic spinach usually used, you can combine both chard and potatoes. They will be delicious. Or prepare a nice minestrone or a soup with beans. It’s also great for making a good white risotto.
