The new year is a good opportunity to make dishes that are healthy and nourishing. Swiss chard is another power green, but with a little more complexity in flavor- slightly bitter and salty. Mixing with chick peas adds some texture. This dish is perfect as side dish, add to some pasta with a little more olive oil and grated cheese or just eat as a light meal.

From by the bay, wishing you power green food memories!

Maryann

Wilted Spicy Swiss Chard and Chick Peas

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil

3 cloves garlic crushed

1 15 ounce can chick peas

1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes

2 lbs swiss chard

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

additional salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Remove from can and strain chick pea. Pat dry with paper towel. Place a dutch oven or deep pot on medium heat, add oil and garlic once warm add chick peas and saute until crisped. Stir occasionally. In the meantime, clean the swiss chard in cold water rinse and pat dry. Remove and discard the thick ribs. Coarsely, chop the greens. Once the chick peas are crisp add salt, pepper and red chili flakes. Saute a minute add the chard and saute until it starts to wilt and reduce in volume. Remove from heat adjust salt and pepper to taste, add a squeeze of lemon juice and serve warm.