Pickled Swiss Chard Stems

Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Health score
8%
Pickled Swiss Chard Stems
45 min.
8
72kcal

Suggestions


Are you looking to elevate your side dishes with a burst of flavor and a pop of color? Look no further than Pickled Swiss Chard Stems! This vibrant recipe is a delightful way to utilize often-overlooked chard stems, transforming them into a tangy, crunchy accompaniment that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Not only is this recipe vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, but it also adds an exciting twist to your culinary repertoire.

With a preparation time of only 45 minutes, you can easily create this refreshing side dish for your next gathering, offering up to eight servings to share with family and friends. The combination of freshly harvested chard stems, seasoning toasted mustard and caraway seeds, and a sweet and tangy brine made from rice vinegar and sugar results in a pickle that is both delicious and nutritious, boasting only 72 calories per serving.

Not only are these pickled chard stems a fantastic addition to your meals, but they also provide an excellent opportunity to diversify the flavors on your table. Consider experimenting with variations like Pickled Green Papaya or Pickled Banana Chiles, using the same salting method and brine. Pickling is not only a traditional preservation technique but also a fun way to explore new flavors and textures in your cooking.

So roll up your sleeves and join the pickling craze! Your taste buds—and your dinner guests—will thank you.

Ingredients

  • tablespoons brown mustard seeds 
  • tablespoon caraway seeds 
  • pound swiss chard cut into 4" lengths (from 4 bunches)
  • 0.3 cup kosher salt 
  • small shallots thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup sugar 
  • cup rice vinegar 

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • sauce pan
  • colander

Directions

  1. Toss chard stems, shallot, and salt in a colander set in the sink.
  2. Let stand 1 hour. Rinse and drain well.
  3. Meanwhile, toast mustard and caraway seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until mustard seeds begin to pop, about 2 minutes.
  4. Let seeds cool.
  5. Bring vinegar, sugar, and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan; let cool slightly.
  6. Pour brine into jars.
  7. Let cool slightly, then cover and chill.
  8. DO AHEAD: Pickles can be made 2 weeks ahead. Keep chilled.
  9. Pickled Green Papaya
  10. Use the same salting method and brine, but instead of chard stems and shallot, use 1 sliced seeded peeled green papaya (about 1 lb.). Omit mustard and caraway seeds, and use 2 red or green Thai chiles and one 1"-piece peeled turmeric or ginger, thinly sliced.Pickled Banana Chiles
  11. Use the same salting method and brine, but instead of chard stems and shallot, use 1 lb. fresh banana chiles (cut a long slit in each pepper to allow brine to penetrate) and 1 sliced peeled carrot. Omit mustard and caraway seeds, and use 1 garlic clove.

Nutrition Facts

Calories72kcal
Protein7.65%
Fat5.59%
Carbs86.76%

Properties

Glycemic Index
22.76
Glycemic Load
9.25
Inflammation Score
-9
Nutrition Score
12.001739232436%

Flavonoids

Catechin
0.85mg
Kaempferol
3.29mg
Myricetin
1.76mg
Quercetin
1.25mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:71.92kcal
3.6%
Fat:0.45g
0.69%
Saturated Fat:0.03g
0.2%
Carbohydrates:15.62g
5.21%
Net Carbohydrates:14.27g
5.19%
Sugar:13.4g
14.88%
Cholesterol:0mg
0%
Sodium:3658.77mg
159.08%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:1.38g
2.75%
Vitamin K:470.65µg
448.24%
Vitamin A:3470.72IU
69.41%
Vitamin C:17.45mg
21.15%
Manganese:0.27mg
13.29%
Magnesium:50.78mg
12.69%
Vitamin E:1.12mg
7.45%
Iron:1.27mg
7.07%
Potassium:240.77mg
6.88%
Copper:0.12mg
5.99%
Fiber:1.35g
5.41%
Calcium:40.8mg
4.08%
Phosphorus:37.63mg
3.76%
Vitamin B6:0.07mg
3.58%
Vitamin B2:0.06mg
3.42%
Selenium:1.92µg
2.75%
Folate:9.89µg
2.47%
Vitamin B1:0.03mg
2.1%
Zinc:0.3mg
2.01%
Vitamin B3:0.28mg
1.42%
Vitamin B5:0.11mg
1.11%
Source:Epicurious