Swiss Chard A Fall Gourmet Treat

This is the season for Swiss chard. Unfortunately not a lot of people outside chefs and foodies know about it. That is a shame because it's so tasty and nutritious. it;s a big vegetable in northern Italian cooking and rounds out an autumn table throughout Piedmonte. It;s also versatile and easy to cook with not being whats; known as a tempermental veggie.

Swiss chard is a variation of spinach to be disntinguished from French chard. it;'s is distinguishable from the other supermarket greens by its' shiny green leave s and yellow, white or red ribbing. It does have a slightly bitter taste when raw but that dissipates upon cooking. Cooked Swiss chard tastes like a more subtle more sophisticated version of spinach. it's the perfect veggie for cold weather because it is packed with the necessary Vitamins,. A, B and C as well as being high in calcium.

The Piedmontese love Swiss chard. MY family used booth the stalks and the leaves. the stalks are cooked with a beaten egg, melted butter and vinegar to create a tart but tasty side dish. The leaves can be eaten raw as a salad or thrown in to create a mixed field green one. . We usually cook ours the same way as spinach and just add butter on top. IT'S a nice side dish to roasted chicken or London broil.

This season embrace Swiss chard. It's a good for you vegetable but also a one that will add sophistication to your table. It's a more elegant way of introducing greens to your fall table.


Piedmontese Style Swiss Chard,

1 bunch Swiss chard stalks cut in 2 inch pieces.
Butter and olive oil for sauteing,
1 beaten egg
2-3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
dash water
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Boil the Swiss chard in salted water for 10 minutes. At the same time heat butter and oil in a frying pan (there should be enough to coat the pan's bottom). After chard is done drain and put into frying pan. At the same time whisk a beaten egg with the vinegar and water . Stir in the Parmesan cheese and our over the Swiss chard. Cook for ten minutes or until egg is thoroughly cooked.