Swiss chard is not a vegetable used in India, but this delicious leafy green works effortlessly with Indian spices and seasonings in recipes like Swiss chard fritters and this garlicky Swiss chard. This recipe uses two whole bulbs of garlic. If you have garlic greens in your garden or at your market, substitute half the garlic with a generous bunch of those. It might sound like a lot of garlic but the garlic mellows down during cooking and ties all the flavors beautifully. Swiss chard has a unique flavor that not everyone loves: it’s earthy with a hint of bitterness. I’ve read it described as having a “mineral” flavor. The spices and garlic in this recipe help neutralize that flavor and make the Swiss chard taste sweet and mild and very, very delicious. If you have been on the fence about Swiss chard, try this recipe to fall in love with this leafy green. It is so easily grown in a home vegetable garden and can be found in most markets and grocery stores. Chard is also an immensely pretty veggie to look at too, with broad leaves and rainbow-colored stalks that are edible and delicious. And it is a powerhouse of nutrients, so it’s a great veggie to add to your diet.
Why you will love this recipe
Nutritious. Chard is loaded with nutrients and has loads of vitamins A and C, and minerals, including potassium, calcium and iron. This green is also a great source of fiber and it is low in calories. Garlic if wonderful for your health. We also will use a handful of spinach in this recipe, pumping up both the flavor and nutritional profile of this dish. Yummy. Around here we will only eat a food if it tastes amazing, and this garlicky Swiss chard is nothing short of crazy delicious. Simple recipe. This is a pretty simple recipe, even beginner-level friendly. Allergy friendly. The recipe is soy-free, nut-free and gluten-free. And it is, of course, vegan.
Ingredients
Vegetables: shallots (or red onions), tomatoes, Swiss chard, spinach and garlic greens (optional). You can just use more cloves of garlic instead of the greens. I had some fresh chives that I tossed in, but if you use chives be sure to add the garlic while blanching the greens as well. Garlic. If you use garlic greens, use a large bunch of garlic greens (1 cup chopped) and one bulb of garlic for the tadka (tempering). If you skip the garlic greens, you will need two bulbs of garlic. Spices: Ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, cayenne or any red chilli powder and garam masala.
How to make garlicky Swiss chard
Storage instructions
Refrigerate: Store the Swiss chard sabzi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to four months. Reheat: Thaw and reheat in a saucepan or in the microwave.
More Indian leafy green sabzi recipes
Recipe card
Check to get new recipe updates by email.
