Move over, kale and spinach! Make way for Swiss chard, a deep green leafy vegetable that cooks up like a dream for a great-tasting side dish. The secret is in letting moisture from rinsing and a covered skillet gently soften the leaves within just a few minutes. You will need olive oil, sliced red onion, salt and pepper for this dish.

Swiss chard: How to prepare

Swiss chard has large leaves with stems that come in several beautiful colors—red, yellow and white. The stem is on the tough side and should be trimmed off. The center rib is used, though; fold the leaf in half and cut close to the rib, then dice the rib finely and put it in a small bowl. Cut the leaves in big pieces and rinse them in a salad spinner.

Swiss chard: Side dish recipe

Heat a fing pan (skillet) and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chopped stem and red onions, sautéing with a heatproof rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Add the leaves, then cover and cook for a few minutes until just wilted.

Season with a sprinkle of salt and a few dashes of pepper. It’s ready in mere minutes!

Tell us what you thought of this side dish recipe, and share your favorite ways to prepare Swiss chard in the comments section.