Swiss chard is a versatile and nutritious leafy green that is often overlooked in the kitchen. But did you know that the stems of Swiss chard are just as delicious and packed with nutrients? In fact, there are many creative and tasty ways to use Swiss chard stems in your cooking. One of my favorite recipes that highlights this often discarded part of the plant is a Swiss chard stem sesame dish. Not only is it easy to make, but it's also a great way to reduce food waste and add some extra flavor to your meals. Let's take a closer look at this delicious and nutritious recipe.
Baked Swiss Chard Stems with Olive Oil and Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Chard, Salt, Olive Oil, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Black
If you're looking for a healthier option, this recipe is for you. Baked Swiss chard stems with olive oil and parmesan make for a delicious and nutritious side dish to go with your beer can chicken. The Swiss chard stems are roasted to perfection and topped with a generous amount of olive oil and parmesan cheese. The result is a crunchy, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
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Wonton Soup
Main Ingredients: Savoy Cabbage, Coarse Salt, Ground Pork, Green Onions
Who says beer can chicken has to be served with traditional sides? Switch things up with this wonton soup recipe that will leave you wanting more. The savory chicken broth is filled with tender chicken, dumplings, and vegetables, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover chicken from your beer can chicken dinner.
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Pork Ramen
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Kosher Salt, Canola Oil, Yellow
Take your taste buds on a trip to Japan with this delicious pork ramen recipe. The rich and flavorful broth is made with pork bones, vegetables, and spices, giving it a depth of flavor that will make your mouth water. Top it off with tender slices of beer can chicken for a protein-packed and filling meal.
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Instant Pot Ramen
Main Ingredients: Chicken Tenders, Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Vegetable
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a bowl of delicious ramen, this recipe is for you. Using an Instant Pot makes this dish quick and easy, while still retaining the same delicious flavors. The tender beer can chicken is added to the broth just before serving, making it a perfect addition to this comforting meal.
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Honey Sesame Chicken
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Salt, Ground Black Pepper
This sweet and savory chicken dish is perfect for those who prefer a more Asian-inspired flavor. The honey and sesame glaze adds a delicious sticky coating to the chicken, making it a flavorful and juicy addition to your beer can chicken dinner. Serve it with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
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Teriyaki Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Sake, Oil
Another Asian-inspired dish, teriyaki chicken is a popular choice for many. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes it a perfect pairing for beer can chicken. The chicken is marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that will leave you wanting more.
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful side dish, try pickled Swiss chard stems. The tangy and slightly spicy flavor pairs well with the tender chicken and adds a refreshing touch to your meal. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover chard stems from your baked Swiss chard stem recipe.
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Roasted Swiss Chard Stems
Main Ingredients: Chard, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Fresh Lemon Juice
If you're a fan of roasted vegetables, you'll love this recipe. Roasted Swiss chard stems are a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The stems are seasoned with herbs and spices and roasted until tender and slightly crispy. Serve them alongside your chicken for a well-rounded meal.
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Spicy Pickled Swiss Chard Stems
Main Ingredients: Rainbow Chard, Rice Wine Vinegar, Distilled White
For those who love a bit of heat, these spicy pickled Swiss chard stems are a must-try. The stems are pickled in a mixture of vinegar, spices, and chili peppers, giving them a delicious kick. Serve them as a side dish or as a topping for your beer can chicken for a burst of flavor.
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General Tso Tofu
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Liquid Aminos, Garlic Powder, Sea Salt
For the vegetarians or tofu lovers out there, this General Tso tofu recipe is a great alternative to traditional beer can chicken. The tofu is coated in a delicious sauce and served with vegetables and rice, making it a hearty and flavorful meal. Plus, it's a great option for those looking to cut down on their meat consumption.
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Pink Peppercorn Pickled Swiss Chard Stems
Main Ingredients: Red Onion, Swiss Chard, Salt, Apple Cider Vinegar
Give your pickled Swiss chard stems a unique twist with this pink peppercorn variation. The pink peppercorns add a slightly fruity and floral flavor to the pickling liquid, resulting in a delicious and unexpected pairing with your beer can chicken. Plus, the vibrant pink color adds a pop of color to your plate.
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Wild Greens, Chickpea and Ricotta-Feta Borek
Main Ingredients: Chard, Olive Oil, Spice Blend, Lemon, Broad Beans
If you're feeling adventurous, try this wild greens, chickpea and ricotta-feta borek recipe. Borek is a traditional Turkish dish that consists of thin layers of phyllo dough filled with a savory mixture of greens, cheese, and chickpeas. It's a great way to use up any leftover beer can chicken and makes for a unique and delicious meal.
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Japchae (Chap Chae)
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Spinach, Oil, Garlic, Onion, Dried Shiitake
Japchae, also known as chap chae, is a popular Korean dish made with glass noodles, vegetables, and meat. This recipe uses beer can chicken as the protein, making it a great way to use up any leftovers. The sweet and savory sauce adds a delicious flavor to the dish, making it a perfect pairing for your chicken.
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Vegan Pad Thai
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Zucchini, Carrots, Red Bell Pepper, Scallion
This vegan pad thai recipe is a great option for those looking for a meatless alternative to beer can chicken. The combination of noodles, vegetables, and tofu creates a flavorful and filling dish that will satisfy any cravings. Plus, the tangy and slightly spicy sauce adds a delicious kick to the dish.
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Swiss Chard Hummus (with Pickled Chard Stems)
Main Ingredients: Tahini, Garlic, Limes, Coriander Seeds, Cumin Seeds
Looking for a unique and flavorful dip to serve with your beer can chicken? Look no further than this Swiss chard hummus with pickled chard stems. The tangy and slightly spicy pickled stems add a delicious twist to traditional hummus, making it a perfect accompaniment to your meal.
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Swiss Chard Stems With Fresh Herbs & Garbanzos
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Celery, Large
This flavorful side dish is a great way to use up any leftover Swiss chard stems from your beer can chicken dinner. The stems are cooked with fresh herbs and garbanzo beans, resulting in a flavorful and nutritious side dish that pairs well with the tender chicken.
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Coste di bieta gratinate (Gratinéed Swiss Chard Stems)
Main Ingredients: Swiss Chard, Bechamel Sauce, Butter, Parmesan Cheese
For a more indulgent option, try this gratinéed Swiss chard stem recipe. The stems are cooked in a creamy and cheesy sauce and baked to perfection, resulting in a rich and decadent side dish. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Garlic Sautéed Swiss Chard
Main Ingredients: Swiss Chard, Olive Oil, Garlic, Water, Sea Salt
Sometimes, simple is best. This garlic sautéed Swiss chard recipe is a great way to enjoy the natural flavor of the vegetable. The garlic and olive oil add a delicious flavor to the chard, making it a perfect pairing for your beer can chicken. Plus, it's a quick and easy side dish that can be made in minutes.
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Thai Sweet Chili Chicken
Main Ingredients: Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast, Oil, Garlic, Thai
This Thai sweet chili chicken recipe is a great way to add a spicy kick to your beer can chicken dinner. The sweet and tangy sauce adds a delicious flavor to the chicken, making it a perfect pairing for rice and vegetables. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover chicken from your beer can chicken.
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Honey Teriyaki Salmon
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Oil, Soy, Sake, Honey, Sesame
If you're a seafood lover, try this honey teriyaki salmon recipe for a delicious and healthy alternative to beer can chicken. The salmon is marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Serve it with rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why You Shouldn't Throw Away Swiss Chard Stems
Swiss chard stems are often thrown away because they can be tough and fibrous, making them seem inedible. However, these stems are actually full of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. They also contain a high amount of dietary fiber, which can help with digestion and keep you feeling full. Additionally, Swiss chard stems have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor that adds a unique taste to dishes. So before you toss those stems in the compost, consider using them in this delicious sesame recipe.
The Perfect Combination of Sweet and Savory
This Swiss chard stem sesame recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The sweetness of the stems pairs perfectly with the nutty and slightly salty taste of sesame seeds. The dish is also seasoned with a touch of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, which adds depth and complexity to the flavors. It's a simple recipe that uses only a few ingredients but packs a punch in terms of taste.
How to Make Swiss Chard Stem Sesame
To make this dish, start by cutting the Swiss chard stems into bite-sized pieces and blanching them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes. This will help soften the fibrous texture of the stems. In a separate pan, toast some sesame seeds until they are lightly browned and set them aside. In the same pan, sauté some minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add the blanched Swiss chard stems and a splash of soy sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the stems are fully coated in the soy sauce and garlic-ginger mixture. Finally, add the toasted sesame seeds and toss everything together. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.
A Versatile Side Dish or Topping
This Swiss chard stem sesame dish can be served as a side dish to complement any meal. It's a great alternative to traditional vegetable sides and adds a unique touch to your plate. You can also use it as a topping for salads, grain bowls, or even on top of toast. The possibilities are endless with this versatile and flavorful recipe.
In conclusion, don't let Swiss chard stems go to waste. Give this delicious and nutritious sesame recipe a try and discover a new way to enjoy this often overlooked part of the plant. With its sweet and savory flavors and versatility, it's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Baked Swiss Chard Stems with Olive Oil and Parmesan