Chard
Chard is in the same family as spinach and beet greens, and cooks the same way. Use the ribs as well as the greens! The ribs make great quick pickles.
Storage
Store chard in the fridge for several days, if not longer. Unwashed greens last longer, so only wash right before you plan to cook. If you want to store greens in the fridge for longer, wrap them in a damp paper towel. Greens also freeze well. Blanch in salted boiling water for 3 minutes, drain and plunge into ice water. Chill for two minutes; drain. Pack in freezer containers or bags.
Cooking Tips
Cook chard much like you would spinach. Pull the leaves from the stems and chop the stems into small pieces. Put them in the pan several minutes ahead of the leaves to allow them to cook longer. Cook stem until tender but still with a touch of crunch and cook leaves until tender and buttery. Top pizzas with sliced, raw chard leaves and add cooked chard to frittatas, tarts, galettes, or rice casseroles.
Recipes
Deborah Madison’s Chard & Saffron Tart
How to Make a Savory Tart without a Recipe
Swiss Chard with Raisins & Nuts
Chard & Rice Casserole (this recipe calls for spinach, but chard works beautifully)
Chard Saag Paneer (we make this often, usually skipping the paneer; you can make a vegan version with coconut milk)
Sweet Potato, Chard, & Black Bean Enchiladas
Swiss Chard Lasagna with Mushrooms & Ricotta
Ribollita (Hearty Tuscan Bean & Vegetable Stew, substitute chard in for kale)