This Swiss Chard, Potato, and Chickpea Stew recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for cold weather. With the earthy taste of chard combined with starchy potatoes and protein-packed chickpeas, this stew is a well-balanced meal in a pot. Seasoned with paprika, turmeric, and cayenne, it's a spice lover's dream. It's easy to prepare and can serve as a main dish on its own or a hearty side to your main course.
The key ingredient in this recipe is Swiss chard, a leafy green vegetable that is not always commonly found in every kitchen. It's available with either reddish or light-green stalks. The red variety has a slightly stronger flavor, but both types can be used interchangeably in this dish. Another ingredient to note is chickpeas. If using canned chickpeas, make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove any excess sodium.
Ingredients for Swiss Chard, Potato, and Chickpea Stew
Swiss chard: Swiss chard is a nutritious leafy green vegetable that is high in vitamins A, C, and K.
Olive oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables, imparting a rich and hearty flavor.
Baking potatoes: Baking potatoes are starchy and excellent for making this kind of thick stew.
Onion: Onions provide a aromatic base and sweetness to the stew.
Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, spicy flavor to the stew.
Paprika: Paprika gives the stew a warm, earthy undertone.
Turmeric: Turmeric gives the stew a lovely yellow color and a hint of peppery bitterness.
Cayenne: Cayenne pepper adds a kick of heat to the stew.
Salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors in the stew.
Chickpeas: Chickpeas add protein and texture to the stew.
Chicken broth: Chicken broth makes the base for the stew. You could also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Water: Water is used to adjust the thickness of the stew.
Eggs: Hard-cooked eggs are used as garnish.
One reader, Gloria Heil says:
This swiss chard, potato, and chickpea stew recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine. The hearty potatoes and chickpeas, paired with the earthy swiss chard, create a comforting and satisfying dish. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a wholesome and delicious meal.
Cooking Techniques Required for Swiss Chard, Potato, and Chickpea Stew
How to blanch swiss chard: Blanching the swiss chard helps to soften the leaves and reduce their bitterness. It involves briefly immersing the chard in boiling water, then transferring it to ice water to stop the cooking process.
How to sauté potatoes and onions: Sautéing the potatoes and onions involves cooking them in a small amount of oil over moderate heat until they become tender and develop a golden brown color. This process adds flavor and texture to the stew.
How to simmer the stew: Simmering the stew allows the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to become tender. It involves cooking the stew over low to medium heat, maintaining a gentle bubbling, until the desired consistency is achieved.
How to garnish with hard-cooked eggs: Garnishing the stew with hard-cooked eggs adds a pop of color and a rich, creamy texture. To prepare hard-cooked eggs, place them in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes. After cooling, peel and slice the eggs before using them as a garnish.
How To Make Swiss-Chard, Potato, and Chickpea Stew
Savor the warmth and spice of this chickpea stew that comes with browned potatoes and hard-boiled eggs in a flavorful broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbSwiss chard
- 3tbspolive oil
- 1½lbbaking potatoes,(about 3)
- 1onion
- 2clovesgarlic
- 1tsppaprika
- ¼tspturmeric
- 1tspcayenne
- 1tspsalt
- 2cupdrained and rinsed canned chickpeas,(one 19-ounce can)
- 3cupcanned low-sodium chicken broth,or homemade stock
- 1cupwater
- 2hard-cooked eggs
Instructions
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Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add the chard and cook for 3 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
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In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over moderate heat.
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Add the potatoes and onion and sauté, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until the potatoes start to brown.
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Add the garlic, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, and salt and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cooked chard, chickpeas, broth, and water.
-
Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
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Serve the stew garnished with the hard-cooked eggs.
Nutrition
- Calories: 429.20kcal
- Fat: 16.23g
- Saturated Fat: 2.74g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.30g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.88g
- Carbohydrates: 57.66g
- Fiber: 10.23g
- Sugar: 4.21g
- Protein: 18.29g
- Cholesterol: 74.60mg
- Sodium: 1248.47mg
- Calcium: 153.58mg
- Potassium: 1569.82mg
- Iron: 6.01mg
- Vitamin A: 401.52µg
- Vitamin C: 46.97mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Swiss Chard, Potato, and Chickpea Stew
When preparing your Swiss chard, make sure to remove the tough stems and ribs before boiling. These parts are often too fibrous and can result in a tough texture in your stew. You can do this by folding the leaf in half along the stem and then simply cutting along the stem to remove it. This will leave you with the tender leafy part of the chard, perfect for your stew.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Stew Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and wash the swiss chard and potatoes the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use canned chickpeas: Opt for canned chickpeas instead of dried ones to skip the soaking and boiling process, saving time and effort.
One-pot wonder: Consider using a pressure cooker or instant pot to cook the stew, which can significantly reduce the cooking time.
Double batch: Make a larger quantity of the stew and freeze the extra portions for quick and convenient meals on busy days.
Kitchen tools: Utilize a food processor for chopping vegetables and a mandoline for slicing potatoes to speed up the prep process.
Pre-cook potatoes: Parboil the potatoes the night before to cut down on the stew's overall cooking time.
Efficient multitasking: While the stew simmers, use the time to prepare a simple side salad or set the table to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Swiss-Chard, Potato, and Chickpea Stew Recipe
swiss chard - Substitute with kale: Kale is a suitable substitute for swiss chard as it has a similar texture and flavor profile, and it holds up well in stews.
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for regular potatoes, adding a slightly sweeter flavor to the stew.
chickpeas - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans can be used as a substitute for chickpeas, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor to the stew.
Presentation Tips for Swiss Chard, Potato, and Chickpea Stew
Elevate the plating: When presenting the stew, consider using a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. This will allow the ingredients to be displayed beautifully and create an inviting visual appeal.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the stew with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. The vibrant green hues will contrast beautifully with the earthy tones of the stew, enhancing its visual appeal.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Before serving, drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the stew. This not only adds a luxurious sheen to the dish but also imparts a rich, fruity flavor that complements the hearty ingredients.
Consider the placement of the hard-cooked eggs: Instead of simply placing the hard-cooked eggs on top of the stew, consider slicing them and strategically positioning the slices to create an elegant and refined presentation.
Utilize complementary dinnerware: Selecting the right dinnerware can enhance the overall presentation. Consider serving the stew in a rustic ceramic bowl or a classic white porcelain dish to create a visually appealing backdrop for the vibrant colors of the dish.
Emphasize the layers: When plating the stew, aim to showcase the layers of ingredients. Arrange the swiss chard, potatoes, and chickpeas in a visually appealing manner, allowing each component to shine through and create an enticing presentation.
Add a touch of brightness with lemon zest: Before serving, finely grate some lemon zest over the stew. The citrusy aroma and vibrant yellow zest will add a refreshing and visually appealing touch to the dish.
Consider the use of edible flowers: For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing the stew with delicate, edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies. These floral accents will add a sophisticated and visually stunning element to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Stew
- Medium pot: A medium-sized cooking vessel used for boiling, simmering, or steaming ingredients.
- Dutch oven: A heavy-duty, thick-walled cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid, suitable for braising, stewing, and roasting.
- Sauté pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan with relatively tall sides, used for sautéing, searing, and frying ingredients.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients, often available in various sizes.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining liquids from food items.
- Cutting board: A sturdy board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for slicing, chopping, and dicing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring and portioning ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: A long-handled spoon made of wood, commonly used for stirring and mixing ingredients in cooking.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for This Stew
Allow the stew to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and potentially spoiling the dish.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together over time.
When reheating refrigerated stew, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled stew in portion-sized, freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
Frozen swiss chard, potato, and chickpea stew can be stored for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. However, the texture of the potatoes may become slightly softer after thawing.
To thaw frozen stew, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight. Alternatively, use the defrost setting on your microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even thawing.
Reheat thawed stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired temperature. If the stew appears too thick, add a small amount of broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Avoid refreezing previously frozen stew, as this can lead to a decline in texture and quality. Only thaw the amount you plan to consume within a few days.
How To Reheat Leftover Stew
Reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures that the potatoes and chickpeas are heated through evenly without becoming mushy.
If the stew has thickened up considerably in the refrigerator, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen it up and achieve the original consistency.
For a quicker reheating method, transfer individual portions of the stew to microwave-safe bowls and heat on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the stew is steaming hot throughout.
To add a fresh twist to leftover stew, consider mashing some of the potatoes and chickpeas to create a thicker, creamier base. This will give the dish a new texture and help it feel like a fresh meal.
If you have any leftover hard-cooked eggs, slice them up and add them to the reheated stew for an extra protein boost and added texture.
For a crispy element, top the reheated stew with a handful of croutons or toasted bread crumbs. This will provide a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, comforting texture of the stew.
If you find that the swiss chard has lost some of its vibrant color during storage, stir in a handful of fresh, roughly chopped chard leaves just before serving to brighten up the dish and add a pop of freshness.
Interesting Trivia About Swiss Chard, Potato, and Chickpea Stew
Swiss chard, also known as silverbeet, is a highly nutritious leafy green vegetable. It is an excellent source of vitamins K, A, and C, as well as a good source of magnesium, potassium, and iron. This versatile vegetable can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and sautés. Its earthy and slightly bitter flavor adds depth to the stew, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Additionally, Swiss chard is a great way to add color and texture to your dishes, and it pairs well with a variety of other ingredients.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Stew Recipe Economical?
This swiss chard, potato, and chickpea stew recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as swiss chard, potatoes, and chickpeas, are affordable and readily available. The stew is hearty and nutritious, making it a great option for a family meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Stew Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Swiss chard, potato, and chickpea stew recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. The combination of vegetables, legumes, and lean protein makes it a healthy choice for a hearty meal. Here's why:
- Swiss chard is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium
- Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates
- Potatoes provide additional fiber and essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C
- The use of olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats to the dish
- The spices used, such as paprika, turmeric, and cayenne, have anti-inflammatory properties and may offer various health benefits
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added chickpeas and chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content
- Increase the amount of Swiss chard or add other leafy greens like spinach or kale to boost the nutrient density
- Replace half of the potatoes with sweet potatoes for added vitamin A and antioxidants
- Use a combination of whole eggs and egg whites to reduce the cholesterol content while maintaining the protein
- Experiment with different spice blends to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt
- Serve the stew with a side of whole grain bread or quinoa for additional fiber and complex carbohydrates
Editor's Opinion on Swiss Chard, Potato, and Chickpea Stew
The Swiss chard, potato, and chickpea stew recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of potatoes, the slight bitterness of Swiss chard, and the nutty flavor of chickpeas. The combination of spices adds depth and warmth to the stew, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. The addition of hard-cooked eggs as a garnish provides a delightful contrast in texture. This stew is a perfect choice for a cozy, cold-weather meal and pairs beautifully with a rustic, full-bodied white wine, such as a white Côtes-du-Rhône.
Enhance Your Swiss-Chard, Potato, and Chickpea Stew Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Swiss-Chard, Potato, and Chickpea Stew Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of swiss chard, potatoes, and chickpeas, providing a rich source of essential nutrients and flavors. The use of olive oil and a blend of aromatic spices like paprika and turmeric enhances the dish's taste and nutritional value. The inclusion of hard-cooked eggs as a garnish adds a delightful touch. With the careful selection of ingredients and precise cooking instructions, this stew promises a wholesome and satisfying dining experience.
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