An Omelet of Swiss Chard - A Colorful and Nutritious Brunch

Take your omelets to the next level with vibrant Swiss chard! This leafy green adds beautiful color and nutrition to a classic French-style omelet. When paired with Gruyère cheese and fresh herbs, it makes for an elegant yet easy weekend brunch. Read on to learn insider tips for making the ultimate omelet that's packed with flavor and nutrients.

What is Swiss Chard?

Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable in the beet family. It has broad, fan-shaped leaves with thick stems that come in a rainbow of colors like red, yellow, white, pink, and orange.

Despite its name, Swiss chard actually originated in Sicily! It has an earthy, mildly bitter taste when raw but becomes sweeter when cooked. The leaves and stems have slightly different flavors and textures.

Benefits of Swiss Chard

This superfood green is packed with healthy nutrients like:

• Vitamins A, K, C, E, B2, B6
• Minerals - magnesium, manganese, iron, potassium
• Antioxidants - beta-carotene, syringic acid
• Fiber
• Low in calories

Add Swiss chard to your meals for a major nutritional boost!

Preparing Swiss Chard for Omelets

Here's a simple process for prepping Swiss chard:

Ingredients

• 1 bunch Swiss chard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Separate chard stems from leaves. Chop stems into 1/2-inch pieces.

2. Stack leaves and roll into a cigar shape. Thinly slice into ribbons.

3. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add chard stems and garlic. Cook 2 minutes.

4. Add leaves and continue cooking until wilted, about 2-3 minutes more.

5. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside until cool.

Extra Tips

• Save leftover chard in fridge 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months
• Add lemon juice to help greens retain color
• Substitute other greens like kale, spinach, arugula

Assembling the Perfect Swiss Chard Omelet

Now that the chard is prepped, it's time to fill that omelet!

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• 1⁄4 cup cooked Swiss chard
• 1⁄4 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp minced fresh herbs like dill, chives, tarragon
• 1⁄2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Beat the eggs lightly with 2 tbsp water.

2. Melt butter in an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add eggs once foaming.

3. Use a spatula to gently lift cooked edges and tilt pan so uncooked egg runs underneath.

4. When eggs are mostly set, arrange chard and cheese on one half.

5. Fold omelet over filling and cook 1 more minute to melt cheese.

6. Slide omelet onto plate, garnish with fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Jazz up your Swiss chard omelet with sides like:

• Buttered toast or English muffin
• Fresh fruit salad
• Crispy roasted potatoes
• Steamed asparagus spears
• Cottage cheese
• Smoked salmon

More Recipe Ideas with Swiss Chard

Once you've made the omelet, try more dishes featuring Swiss chard:

• Pasta - Toss ribbons of chard into garlic pasta
• Quiche - Add leaves and stems to a savory custard
• Soup - Purée into a creamy blended soup
• Salad - Toss raw leaves with nuts, fruit, and tangy dressing
• Sandwich - Layer grilled chard, mozzarella, and pesto on ciabatta

Start Your Day with Nutritious Greens

Give your morning omelet a wholesome and beautiful twist with Swiss chard! Its earthy, delicate flavor complements rich eggs and cheese perfectly. Paired with fresh herbs and veggies, it makes for an elegant brunch with little effort. Use colorful chard stems as a pretty garnish to impress your guests.

FAQs

Can you use other greens besides Swiss chard?

Absolutely! Spinach, kale, arugula all work well. Adjust cook times as needed.

Is Swiss chard better raw or cooked?

Cooking softens chard and brings out its natural sweetness. But young, tender leaves are great raw in salads too.

Can you freeze cooked Swiss chard?

Yes, cooked chard freezes well for 3-6 months. Portion into bags or ice cube trays.

What does Swiss chard taste like?

It has an earthy, herbaceous flavor when raw, turning sweeter and more refined when cooked.

Can you substitute spinach for chard?

Absolutely, spinach makes a great substitute in recipes. It may need slightly less cooking time.