My husband is not a fan of some greens, but I truly believe it is because he may not have had them cooked properly and with the right seasoning. Swiss Chard was not a fav…..until tonight!!

Our local CSA farm (community supported agriculture farm) has started offering its Summer season boxes, and we are excited to start getting some fresh organic veggies while we wait for our garden to start producing!

A colorful bunch of Swiss Chard was in the first share. My Granny loved Swiss Chard, and I really wanted my husband to like it, too. I knew it had to have flavor.

So, this down and dirty skillet wilted Swiss Chard was created with items I just happened to have and thought (with Pinterest guidance) would work. You may have a different variation on the ingredients (powdered garlic instead of minced garlic or you may chose to not use bacon or hot pepper) That is fine! Make it yours!

I had a medium size bunch (about 15 stems) of Chard for my dish and used a larger skillet. It could have been cooked in at regular size pan. So, use what you have. That is the theme of this dish!

The recipe calls for:

1 bunch of Swiss Chard, washed, chopped

3-4 slices of Bacon, cut into 1” pieces (optional)

1 Tablespoon of Minced Garlic (about 6 cloves) or one teaspoon of granulated garlic, garlic powder or garlic salt

1 teaspoon lemon juice or a good squirt out of a juice squeezer or juice of 1/2 lemon.

1 can of white beans (Great Northern, Navy or Cannelini ) drained and rinsed

1/8 teaspoon cayenne or crushed red pepper

Salt and Pepper to taste

Heat the skillet to medium high heat, and cook the bacon until it is halfway brown. Add Swiss Chard, and sauté until it wilts. Add drained beans, garlic and cayenne or crushed pepper and lemon juice. Stir and continue to cook for 5 minutes until greens are completely wilted and beans are softened. Taste. YUM! Add salt and pepper to desired amount.

This was a beautiful compliment to our sautéed salmon and rice —and the sad overcooked asparagus, which was actually crunchy and nutty delicious in its own way.

Swiss Chard is also very easy to grow if you want to add some to a fall garden. It will even grow as an edible ornamental in a container on your balcony. Check with your local extension office for planting times in your area.

This was simply quick and delicious!

Bon Appetito from our Black Skillet Cooking kitchen!

Kim Orsini, your Iron Maiden