how to cook swiss chard in microwave

A quick and easy way to cook Swiss chard! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook Swiss chard in the microwave:

Preparation:

1. Rinse the Swiss chard leaves and stems under cold running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Remove the stems from the leaves and chop them into 1-inch pieces. You can also leave the stems intact if you prefer.
3. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Microwave Cooking:

1. Place the chopped stems and torn leaves in a microwave-safe dish. You can use a glass or ceramic bowl, or a microwave-safe container with a lid.
2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the dish. This will help create steam and cook the chard evenly.
3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, make sure to poke a few holes in it to allow steam to escape.
4. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the chard is tender but still crisp. Cooking time may vary depending on the quantity of chard and your microwave’s power level.
5. Check the chard after 2 minutes and stir it. If it’s not tender enough, continue to microwave in 30-second increments until it’s cooked to your liking.

Seasoning:

1. Remove the chard from the microwave and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Tips and Variations:

• To reduce cooking time, you can blanch the chard in boiling water for 30 seconds before microwaving.
• Add garlic, onion, or ginger to the chard for extra flavor. Simply chop them finely and sauté them in a little oil before adding the chard.
• Use the microwave’s defrost setting (30% power) if you prefer a more gentle cooking method.
• Cooked Swiss chard can be served as a side dish, added to soups, stews, or casseroles, or used as a nutritious addition to salads and smoothies.

Enjoy your quickly cooked Swiss chard!