How to Cook Swiss Chard Combing a Swiss Card Recipe with Potato Soup Recipe

Some have asked how to cook Swiss chard. Many of these greens including beet tops, dandelion, escarole and collards are all prepared and used in much the same way.

Trim off all roots, tough portions and imperfect leaves. Wash thoroughly under running water or in several changes of water. If very young and tender, only cook briefly. If older and tougher, cook in lightly salted boiling water for 15 to 30 minutes or until tender. You can add a piece of bacon or salt pork for flavoring. (If you use salt pork, omit the salt in the water) Can also season with pepper, butter and vinegar.

You can also top cook Swiss chard with different sauces as the ones below.

BROWNED ONION BUTTER (4 servings)

• 6 Tablespoons butter


• 1 Tablespoon minced onion

Heat butter and minced onion until brown and top each serving.

LEMON BUTTER (for 4 servings)

• 6 Tablespoons melted butter


• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice

POTATO SOUP RECIPE with Swiss chard

If you want to know how to cook Swiss chard, this is a delicious recipe. It is a hearty soup and especially good in the cold weather.

• 6 Slices bacon, cooked to crisp and crumbled


• 1 Large thinly sliced onion


• 1 Pound beef shank


• 1 Pound meaty ham hock


• 8 Cups water


• 2 Teaspoons salt


• 5 Medium potatoes, diced


• 2 Cans (15 ounces each) great northern beans


• 2 Cloves minced garlic


• 1 Link (4 ounces) Polish sausage, thinly sliced


• 1 Roll pepperoni, thinly sliced


• 2 Cups cooked and drained Swiss chard

After cooking bacon, add onions to the drippings; cook until golden and set aside.

In a large pot combine the ham hock, beef, water and salt; bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 1 ½ hours.

Remove beef from bone and ham from bone; discard bones and skim off fat.

Return meat to the broth and add potatoes beans and garlic; simmer for 45 minutes.

Add sausage, bacon, pepperoni and Swiss chard; simmer 15 to 20 minutes longer.

NOTE: This can be frozen in small freezer containers.

Return to How to Cook Vegetables from How to Cook Swiss Chard
Return to Home Page from How to Cook Swiss Chard