How to Microwave Swiss Chard
Prep Time
2 minsCook Time
3 minsFree Time
to make pickled Swiss chard stems
When cooking on the stovetop, do you find that the greens get soft and tender but have a bitter aftertaste? This is due to overcooking; cooking greens like chard, kale, and collards over a sustained period of time can bring out their natural bitterness. This can be easy to do on a stovetop, especially when you’re trying to build flavors. Cooks will often will add extra moisture and flavors (like bacon fat or oil) or to account for the moisture loss and make up for the bitterness. But with the microwave, cooking Swiss chard and other greens couldn’t be any easier and tastier!
Cooking greens in the microwave is the simplest and easiest way to keep trapped moisture, nutrition, and flavor inside of your food. Pile the greens into an Anyday dish (stuff as many as you can inside the dish!), cover with the lid, and cook in the microwave until the greens turn a glossy, deep green and feel tender to the touch. This method preserves the vibrant color of Swiss chard, offering a healthy, flavorful side in minutes. Another win for the microwave!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Medium Shallow Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 3 cups (80g) Swiss chard, sliced
- 1 tablespoon water
Preparation
- Add the sliced Swiss chard and water to the Anyday dish and season as desired.
- Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time for best results.
- Greens are ready when soft and tender with bright green leaves.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Toss the cooked chard with lemon juice, chili flakes, and pecorino cheese.
- Mix the chard with steamed potatoes and grain mustard for a delicious side dish.
- Use the Swiss chard it to fill lasagnas.
- Par-cook collard greens as a shortcut to stewed greens!
- Cook bacon in the dish first, and then cook the greens in the leftover bacon fat.
Recipe notes
- Take care to check the Swiss chard and stir it halfway through the cooking time for the best results!
- You can add some olive oil, butter, or brown butter for extra flavor.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Swiss Chard
See for yourself— microwaving Swiss chard is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 2-3 mins |
| Stovetop* | 10-15 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 10-15 mins |
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Swiss chard
How long does it take to cook Swiss chard in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Water | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 3 cups Swiss chard, sliced | 1 tablespoon water | 3 mins |
| 6 cups Swiss chard, sliced | 2 tablespoons water | 4-5 mins |
| 9 cups Swiss chard, sliced | 3 tablespoons water | 5-6 mins |
| 12 cups Swiss chard, sliced | 3 tablespoons water | 6-7 mins |
| 16 cups Swiss chard, sliced | 4 tablespoons water | 7-8 mins |
In just about 2-3 minutes, you can transform 3 cups of raw Swiss chard into beautifully tender greens. When you cook Swiss chard in the microwave, look for leaves that turn a glossy, deep green and feel tender to the touch - the perfect balance between tender and crisp.
Can I use any kind of Swiss chard?
Absolutely! Whether it's classic giant, rainbow, or yellow chard, all varieties of Swiss chard all cook beautifully in the microwave in the same amount of time. Unlike kale, the stems of Swiss chard are delightfully tender. So, feel free to cook the stems alongside the leaves for a full-flavor experience.
How to freeze microwave Swiss chard?
Freezing microwaved Swiss chard is a breeze. After you cook the chard in the microwave, simply transfer it to the 1/2 Cup Anytime Freezer Trays and keep for up to 3 months.
What's the best way to eat Swiss chard?
Swiss chard is incredibly versatile! After cooking it in the microwave, you can enjoy it as a healthy side dish, mix it into pasta, toss it in salads, or even include it in smoothies. The tender, mildly earthy flavor of Swiss chard pairs well with root vegetables, scrambled eggs, or
Is Swiss chard nutritious?
Swiss chard is a nutritional powerhouse! Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, it's also a great source of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron. When you cook Swiss chard in the microwave, the Anyday lid traps retains most of its moisture and nutrients inside of the leaves.
Can Swiss chard be eaten raw?
Yes, Swiss chard can be enjoyed raw. The leaves are slightly bitter but become more tender and milder in flavor when cooked. Raw chard works well in salads, adding a crunchy texture and a burst of nutrition.
How do I store fresh Swiss chard?
To keep Swiss chard fresh, wrap it loosely in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag. Store it in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. This method helps maintain its freshness for about a week. Remember, the sooner you cook Swiss chard in the microwave, the better it tastes.
Can I substitute Swiss chard for spinach in recipes?
Absolutely! Swiss chard is a great substitute for spinach. It has a similar texture and flavor profile, especially when cooked. Whether you're making soups, side dishes, or protein-packed mains, you can easily swap in Swiss chard for a nutritious twist.
