Garlicky Swiss Chard and Chickpeas Recipe
This vibrant and hearty Garlicky Swiss Chard and Chickpeas recipe combines tender Swiss chard, protein-packed chickpeas, and aromatic garlic in a flavorful sauté. Enhanced with lemon juice and topped with crumbled feta cheese, this quick and nutritious dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal or a satisfying side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 bunches Swiss chard, center stems cut out and discarded, and leaves coarsely chopped
- 2 medium shallots, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 6 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
Pan Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth, or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 15 ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Wilt the Swiss Chard: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add half of the chopped Swiss chard and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it begins to wilt. Then add the remaining chard and continue cooking until all the chard has wilted. Pour in the chicken broth, cover the skillet, and let the chard cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the chard through a fine strainer and set aside.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Wipe out the skillet and heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, stirring frequently, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the drained Swiss chard to the skillet along with the rinsed and drained chickpeas. Stir and cook the mixture until heated through, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the skillet mixture. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy, tangy finish.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the recipe vegetarian.
- Be sure to rinse the chickpeas well to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or served over cooked grains like quinoa or rice.
- If Swiss chard stems are tender, you can chop and sauté them with the leaves for added texture.
