Hearty Swiss Chard Stir-Fry with Lentils and Crumbly Feta

Quick and Healthy Swiss Chard with Lentils and Feta Cheese

Hearty Swiss Chard Stir-Fry with Lentils and Crumbly Feta

Transform regular chard into a tasty, nutrient-packed side dish by adding lentils! First, cook lentils with onion and garlic for a burst of flavor, then mix them into sautéed chard. A dash of red wine vinegar and some crumbly feta cheese make this dish a winner. Serve it with baked salmon or lamb for a satisfying dinner.

Here's what you'll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup small-dice yellow onion (about half a medium onion)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup brown or green lentils
• 2 cups water
• 12 ounces Swiss chard (about a bunch)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 4 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 2.5 ounces)

Yield: 4 servingsDifficulty: EasyTotal time: 1 hr 10 mins

Ingredients Breakdown

• Brown or green lentils: Both are great, but if you opt for French green or Puy lentils, you'll need a touch more water and a bit longer cooking time.
• Swiss chard: Plenty of options available, including rainbow chard, which is a mixture of various colors.

How to Cook

1. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the lentils, stir to combine, and add the water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, chop the chard leaves and stems. Discard the end of the chard stems and slice the stems. Cook the stems in the remaining oil, season with salt and pepper, and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes, until softened.
4. Add the leaves, along with measured salt and pepper, to the pan and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the red wine vinegar and lentil mixture until evenly combined.
5. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, and sprinkle in the feta cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.

A Few Springtime Alternatives

When you're in the mood for more seasonal produce, try these recipes:

1. Spring Pea Pasta with Burrata: A pasta dish showcasing fresh peas, burrata cheese, mint, garlic, and lemon zest.
2. Roasted Carrot Coconut Soup: A warm and comforting soup made with roasted carrots, coconut milk, onion, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Artichoke and Shrimp Pasta: A vibrant pasta dish featuring artichokes, shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
4. Asparagus Soufflé Frittata: A fluffy frittata with asparagus, eggs, ricotta cheese, and chives.
5. Herby Radish Salad: A refreshing salad made with radishes, mint, lemon juice, cucumber, and feta cheese.
6. Lavender Lemon Bars: These sweet treats blend lavender and lemon flavors for a unique spring dessert.
7. Spring Lentil Salad: A hearty salad featuring lentils, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette.

Enjoy a variety of spring flavors in these creative and delicious dishes!

• In this quick and healthy Swiss Chard with Lentils and Feta Cheese recipe, lentils are first cooked with onion and garlic in a saucepan for a flavorful base.
• The cooked lentils are then mixed into sautéed chard, along with red wine vinegar and crumbled feta cheese, making a nutrient-packed side dish.
• For a springtime alternative to Swiss Chard with Lentils and Feta Cheese, consider trying the Spring Lentil Salad, which features lentils, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette.

Read also: