Swiss chard rolls with root vegetables are a visually stunning and delicious dish that showcases the vibrant colors and flavors of Swiss chard, making it a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. While red Swiss chard is particularly attractive, green Swiss chard works just as beautifully in this recipe. The filling, packed with a variety of root vegetables, is both hearty and nutritious, making it a satisfying dish for any occasion.
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 large leaves Swiss chard, thoroughly washed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cups roughly chopped red onion
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 sweet potatoes (about 1/2 pound), peeled and finely diced
- 8 cups chopped root vegetables (such as celery root, parsnips, turnips, white potatoes, or Latino roots like yuca or taro)
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped Italian parsley
- Juice of 2 limes (about 4 tablespoons)
- 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup stock or water
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Swiss Chard Leaves: Begin by removing the stems from the Swiss chard leaves. Chop the stems finely, as they will be used in the filling. Set aside the leaves for later.
- Sauté the Filling: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or a large skillet. Add the finely chopped chard stems, red onion, carrots, sweet potatoes, the selection of root vegetables (such as celery root, parsnips, turnips, white potatoes, or Latino roots like yuca or taro), parsley, lime juice, and cilantro (if desired).
- Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and aromatic.
- Blanch the Swiss Chard Leaves: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the Swiss chard leaves for 3–4 minutes until they become slightly tender. Then, drain them and allow them to cool.
- Assemble the Swiss Chard Rolls: Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the prepared filling onto the stem end of each Swiss chard leaf.
- Carefully fold in the sides of the chard leaf to envelop the filling, then roll it away from yourself, applying even tension to create plump rolls.
- Cook the Swiss Chard Rolls: Line up the Swiss chard rolls in a greased skillet.
- Pour 1 cup of water or stock into the skillet to provide moisture and flavor to the dish.
- Lightly season the rolls with salt.
- Simmer and Serve: Cover the skillet and cook the Swiss chard rolls for approximately 10 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors and become tender.
- Once cooked, garnish the rolls with any remaining filling for added flavor and appeal.
Swiss chard rolls with root vegetables are a delightful and visually appealing dish that brings together the earthy goodness of root vegetables and the vibrant colors of Swiss chard. The flavorful filling, enriched with lime juice and cilantro, provides a burst of freshness.
Whether served as a main course or a side dish, these Swiss chard rolls make for an unforgettable meal. The combination of tender Swiss chard leaves and a hearty, nutrient-rich filling creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This dish is not only satisfying to the palate but also a feast for the eyes, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or any day you want to elevate your dining experience. Enjoy!
