How to Microwave Swiss Chard
Do your stovetop-cooked greens often end up soft and tender but with a bitter aftertaste? Overcooking greens like chard, kale, and collards can bring out their natural bitterness. This is common on the stovetop, especially when building flavors. Cooks often add extra moisture and flavors (like bacon fat or oil) to counteract this. But with the microwave, cooking Swiss chard and other greens is easier and tastier!
Cooking greens in the microwave retains moisture, nutrition, and flavor. Simply pile the greens into an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and cook until the greens turn a glossy, deep green and feel tender. This method preserves the vibrant color and natural taste of Swiss chard, offering a healthy, flavorful side in minutes.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 3 cups (80g) Swiss chard, sliced
- 1 tablespoon water
Preparation
- Place the sliced Swiss chard in an Anyday dish and rinse thoroughly under cold tap water. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water.
- After straining, season as desired and 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
- Lemon and Pecorino: Toss cooked Swiss chard with a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of chili flakes, and grated Pecorino cheese for a tangy, spicy, and savory side.
- Potato and mustard mix: Combine the cooked chard with steamed potatoes and a spoonful of grain mustard for a flavorful, hearty side dish.
- Lasagna filling: Use sautéed Swiss chard as a nutritious and tasty filling for lasagnas, adding a twist to the classic dish.
- Bacon and greens: Start by cooking crispy bacon in the pan, then use the leftover bacon fat to cook the Swiss chard for a rich, smoky flavor.
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.
