For the uninitiated, Swiss chard is a delicious leafy vegetable that you can enjoy almost all winter. They are good simply boiled, and they are very often enjoyed in that way. But sometimes during a long winter we can become a little weary of vegetables always cooked in the same way and crave something stronger, sweeter or just different. And so we suggest the option - open to all green leafy vegetables - of creating savoury pies, or making soups, or coating with cheeses and baking. The following proposal is the latter, invigorating Swiss chard thanks to the taste and flavour of the king of cheeses, Gorgonzola. Try this recipe with us and discover Swiss chard in a completely new light.
* approximate values per serving
Wash and clean the Swiss chard well. Cook them in boiling water for 15 minutes and then neatly arrange them in a baking dish. Break up the gorgonzola and then scatter over and between the leaves. Add the cream and a sprinkling of pepper and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C.
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Cook the Swiss chard in boiling water for 15 minutes
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Arrange the Swiss chard neatly in the base of an ovenproof dish
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Break up the gorgonzola into pieces and scatter over and between the chard leaves
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Add the cream
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Grind some pepper over the top and bake in the oven at 180°C for 30 minutes
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A tasty variation of baked Swiss chard with gorgonzola is the one that includes potatoes. To prepare this recipe, start by boiling the potatoes until tender, then slice them and arrange them at the bottom of a baking dish. Place the already cooked and cleaned Swiss chard on top of the potatoes, then proceed as in the original recipe, adding pieces of gorgonzola and cream. This combination not only enriches the dish but also gives it a creamy texture and enveloping flavor, perfect for those who love rich and satisfying dishes. The potatoes, in addition to making the dish more substantial, also provide a sweet note that balances the strong flavor of gorgonzola. Bake at 180° for about 30 minutes and enjoy this delight!
For a typical touch from Lombardy, try the baked Swiss chard with gorgonzola prepared according to local tradition. In this version, the Swiss chard is cooked with typical Lombard ingredients, such as sweet gorgonzola, which pairs perfectly with the flavor of the chard. The preparation remains similar to the original, but you might want to add a bit of melted butter and a pinch of nutmeg to further enhance the flavors. This dish is a great example of how simple ingredients can create a rich and comforting preparation, perfect for a family dinner or a Sunday lunch. In this way, baked Swiss chard becomes a representative dish of Lombard culinary tradition, bringing the authentic taste of the region to the table.
If you are looking for a lighter version of baked Swiss chard with gorgonzola, you can opt for a light preparation. Replace the cooking cream with natural Greek yogurt, which reduces the calorie content and increases the nutritional value of the dish. Also, use a smaller amount of gorgonzola, perhaps choosing a lower-fat type. This alternative allows you to maintain the characteristic flavor without weighing down the dish. Additionally, you can enrich the chard with aromatic spices like oregano or basil to add a touch of freshness. Light baked Swiss chard is perfect for those who want to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing taste, making the dish ideal for a balanced diet.
Swiss chard, the main ingredient of this recipe, is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, which promotes bone health, and potassium, useful for regulating blood pressure. It is also low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. On average, 100 grams of cooked Swiss chard provide about 20 calories. Gorgonzola, although caloric, is rich in calcium and protein, contributing to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. A serving of baked Swiss chard with gorgonzola can contain about 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This dish, therefore, is not only tasty but also offers a good supply of essential nutrients, making it a smart choice for a nutritious meal.
Yes, baked Swiss chard with gorgonzola can be frozen. To achieve the best results, it is advisable to let the dish cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe food bags. This way, you will avoid frost formation and maintain the quality of the food. When you are ready to enjoy it, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven at low temperature to restore optimal consistency. Keep in mind that the texture of the chard may vary slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be excellent. Freezing this dish is a practical solution to always have a delicious meal available on busier days.