Swiss chard stew with rice

Swiss chard stew with rice – a delight full of vitamins and flavor

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Swiss chard, a plant with a rich tradition in gastronomy, is often praised for its nutritional benefits. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals. Preparing Swiss chard stew with rice will not only enrich you with nutrients but also provide you with a delicious and comforting meal. Let's discover together how to prepare this simple yet tasty dish!

Ingredients:
- 250 g long-grain rice (preferably basmati or jasmine for a more aromatic flavor)
- A generous amount of Swiss chard (about 500 g, but you can add more if you wish)
- 1 bunch of green onions (you can also use white onion if you prefer)
- 100 ml tomato broth (or tomato juice)
- Salt, to taste
- Vegetable-flavored Delikat (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage (or dried, but fresh is always more aromatic)

Preparation techniques:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the Swiss chard. If it is older, make sure to remove the thicker veins, as they can be tough. Wash the leaves well under cold running water to remove any impurities.

2. Blanching the Swiss chard: Bring water to a boil in a large pot. When the water is boiling, add the Swiss chard and blanch for 2-3 minutes until the leaves become softer. This step helps remove bitterness and improves texture. After blanching the Swiss chard, drain it well and chop it finely.

3. Cooking the onions: In a deep pan, add a little oil and sauté the chopped green onions over medium heat. You will want to cook it until it becomes golden and aromatic (about 5-7 minutes). Here you can also add a pinch of salt to help release the flavors.

4. Adding the Swiss chard: Add the chopped Swiss chard to the pan, mixing well. Let everything cook together for 2 minutes so that the flavors combine.

5. Including the rice: Add the rice to the Swiss chard and onion mixture, mixing well to allow the rice to absorb the flavors. Then pour in the tomato broth and top up with hot water (about 1 liter). At this point, add salt and Delikat to taste.

6. Boiling: Let the stew simmer on low heat, covered, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid. If needed, you can add hot water, but be careful not to make it too watery.

7. Finishing the dish: When the rice is almost ready, add the finely chopped lovage and let it cook for a few more minutes to combine the flavors.

8. Serving: Serve the Swiss chard stew with warm rice, sprinkled with a little fresh lovage on top for added color and flavor.

Practical tip:
To achieve an even more intense flavor, you can add a few cloves of sautéed garlic along with the onions. It is also a good idea to serve this dish with a fresh vegetable salad, which will perfectly contrast the creamy texture of the rice.

Possible variations:
If you want to turn this dish into a vegetarian one, you can add vegetables such as diced carrots or zucchini. Additionally, for an extra protein boost, you can add cooked chickpeas or lentils.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it will require more cooking time and more water, so adjust the time and liquid accordingly.

2. What drinks pair well with this stew?
A dry white wine or herbal tea would be excellent options, due to the slightly tangy flavors of the dish.

3. How can I store leftovers?
The Swiss chard stew keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if needed.

Nutrition and calories:
This stew is not only delicious but also healthy. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories and is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is perfect for a light yet nourishing meal.

Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or simply to indulge your taste buds, Swiss chard stew with rice is the perfect choice. Enjoy!