Get Closer to Your Food: Simple Sautéed Garlic Chard (or other greens)

By Kristen Rasmussen, MS, RD

For this month’s Well Being Challenge, we’re encouraging you to Get Closer to Your Food by making meals with seasonal ingredients from local producers. We’d love for you to show your commitment to the local food community by sharing your food pictures or comments about your local and seasonal food experiences on our Facebook page wall. Here’s a quick, tasty recipe to get you started. 

Simple Sautéed Garlic Chard (or other greens)
Serves 6-8

• 2 bunches of rainbow chard (or other seasonal green), cut crosswise into 1/2-inch wide strips. Stems may be used or removed*.
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar or lemon (optional)

Heat saute pan on medium heat and add oil. Add garlic and cook until soft, 1-2 minutes.

Add chard, stir to coat. Sprinkle 1/4 cup water over top, cover and cook until tender, stirring occasionally. If you prefer firmer  greens, cook for 1-3 minutes. For softer greens, cook 4-6 minutes. Do not let pan dry out; if necessary, add more water.

Remove from heat and add vinegar or lemon juice, if using. Serve warm.

*Chard stems provide a colorful, sweet, and crunchy addition to the dish