Mediterranean Delight: Red Chard with Feta and Tomatoes Recipe

Red chard, with its vibrant colors and earthy flavor, is a nutritional powerhouse often overlooked. This recipe celebrates red chard by pairing it with the salty tang of feta cheese and the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes, creating a simple yet flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect as a side or a light lunch.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Red chard is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and minerals. Feta adds calcium and protein, while tomatoes provide lycopene and vitamin C.
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful and Versatile:** The combination of earthy chard, salty feta, and sweet tomatoes is a taste sensation. You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding other vegetables, herbs, or spices.
* **Visually Appealing:** The vibrant colors of red chard, tomatoes, and feta make this dish a feast for the eyes.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* 1 pound red chard, washed and chopped (stems separated from leaves)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chopped red onion
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

## Detailed Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create this delicious red chard dish:

### Step 1: Prepare the Red Chard

1. **Wash the Red Chard:** Thoroughly wash the red chard under cold running water. Pay close attention to removing any dirt or debris from the leaves and stems. A salad spinner can be helpful for drying the chard after washing.

2. **Separate Stems from Leaves:** Using a sharp knife, cut the chard stems away from the leaves. The stems are thicker and require a longer cooking time than the leaves.

3. **Chop the Stems:** Chop the chard stems into 1/2-inch pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly and become tender.

4. **Chop the Leaves:** Roughly chop the chard leaves into bite-sized pieces. The size of the pieces is a matter of personal preference, but aim for pieces that are easy to eat.

### Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. **Heat the Olive Oil:** In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the pan is large enough to accommodate all the chard without overcrowding.

2. **Add Garlic and Red Onion:** Add the minced garlic and chopped red onion to the heated olive oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the onion is softened and translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

### Step 3: Cook the Chard Stems

1. **Add Chard Stems:** Add the chopped chard stems to the skillet with the garlic and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the stems are tender-crisp. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

2. **Season with Salt and Pepper:** Season the chard stems with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.

### Step 4: Add the Chard Leaves

1. **Add Chard Leaves:** Add the chopped chard leaves to the skillet with the stems. The leaves will wilt down considerably as they cook.

2. **Sauté the Leaves:** Sauté the chard leaves for 3-5 minutes, or until they are wilted and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

3. **Adjust Heat if Necessary:** If the pan becomes too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water or vegetable broth to prevent sticking.

### Step 5: Add the Tomatoes

1. **Add Cherry Tomatoes:** Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the cooked chard.

2. **Cook the Tomatoes:** Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened slightly and released some of their juices. Stir occasionally to distribute the tomatoes evenly.

### Step 6: Add Feta and Olives (Optional)

1. **Crumble Feta Cheese:** Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the chard and tomatoes.

2. **Add Kalamata Olives (Optional):** If using, add the halved Kalamata olives to the skillet.

3. **Cook Briefly:** Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the feta cheese is slightly warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the feta, as it can become rubbery.

### Step 7: Season and Finish

1. **Add Lemon Juice:** Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the top of the dish. This will add brightness and acidity to the flavors.

2. **Add Fresh Parsley:** Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the dish. The parsley adds freshness and a pop of color.

3. **Season to Taste:** Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You may also want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

4. **Stir Gently:** Gently stir all the ingredients together to combine the flavors.

### Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the red chard with feta and tomatoes immediately while it’s still warm.

2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with extra feta cheese, parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

3. **Serve as a Side Dish:** This dish is excellent as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or lamb.

4. **Serve as a Light Lunch:** It can also be enjoyed as a light and healthy lunch on its own.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Greens:** If you don’t have red chard, you can substitute other leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to this dish.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier flavor.
* **Add Protein:** For a more substantial meal, add cooked chickpeas, white beans, or grilled chicken or shrimp.
* **Use Different Cheese:** If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute goat cheese, ricotta cheese, or Parmesan cheese.
* **Add Nuts:** Toasted pine nuts or almonds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
* **Make it Vegan:** Omit the feta cheese or substitute a vegan feta alternative.
* **Add Balsamic Glaze:** A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Serve with Grilled Meats:** This red chard dish pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb.
* **Serve with Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices.
* **Serve as Part of a Meze Platter:** Include this dish as part of a Mediterranean meze platter along with hummus, olives, and pita bread.
* **Serve over Pasta:** Toss with cooked pasta for a simple and flavorful pasta dish.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 200-250
* Protein: 8-10 grams
* Fat: 12-15 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-12 grams
* Fiber: 3-4 grams

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover red chard with feta and tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The feta cheese may become slightly softer upon reheating.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended as the chard and tomatoes can become mushy upon thawing. The feta cheese will also change in texture.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen chard in this recipe?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen chard. Thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet. Keep in mind that frozen chard may have a slightly different texture than fresh chard.

**Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?**

A: Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. Drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the skillet. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the type of canned tomatoes you use.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can prepare the chard and tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Add the feta cheese just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

**Q: What are the health benefits of red chard?**

A: Red chard is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and minerals. It is also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy addition to your diet.

**Q: Is feta cheese healthy?**

A: Feta cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. However, it is also high in sodium and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation. Look for lower-fat varieties of feta cheese if you are concerned about fat intake.

**Q: Can I use different herbs in this recipe?**

A: Yes, you can use other herbs such as oregano, thyme, or basil in this recipe. Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite flavor combination.

## Conclusion

This red chard with feta and tomatoes recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy this versatile leafy green. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal or side dish. The combination of earthy chard, salty feta, and sweet tomatoes is a true Mediterranean delight that you’ll want to make again and again. So, grab some fresh red chard and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!