Quick Braised Chard Lentils Recipes

FRENCH LENTILS WITH CHARD

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a heavy soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until it begins to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the carrot and celery and cook, stirring, until all the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute. Add the lentils, 2 quarts water and bouquet garni. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer 40 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bouquet garni.
• Stir the chard into the simmering lentils. Cook another 10 minutes or so, until the lentils and greens are tender. The chard should be tender but still bright. Taste, adjust seasonings and serve, passing the cheese at the table for sprinkling. Alternatively, transfer to an oiled baking dish, top with rounds of goat cheese, crumbled feta or grated Parmesan, and heat through in a medium oven.

PAN SEARED SALMON WITH BRAISED LENTILS

Steps:

• Melt 1 T butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chard stems and onion and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes, Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Stir in 1-3/4 cup of the broth, lentils and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the lentils are tender, taste, transfer to a bowl and cover to keep warm.
• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Wipe out the skillet with paper towels, and add the oil, and return to medium high heat until just smoking. Carefully lay the fillets in the skillet, skinned side up, and cook until well browned on the first side, about 5 minutes. Flip the fillets and continue to cook until the sides are opaque, about 3 - 5 minutes longer. Transfer the fillets to a plate, tent loosley with foil, and let rest while finishing the lentils.
• In the skillet, add the lentils and remaining 1/4 cup broth and cook until hot, about 1 minute. Stir in the chard leaves and remaining 1 T butter and cook, stirring constantly, until the chard is wilted, 2 - 3 minues.
• To serve: lay the lentils on the plate and top with the salmon. Sprinkle with lemon wedges.

BRAISED CHARD

Steps:

• Rinse the Swiss chard. Leave any water clinging to it. Chop it fine.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic, saute for a minute or so, then add the Swiss chard. Cook, stirring, until the Swiss chard begins to wilt. Cover the pan and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes.
• Uncover and cook, stirring, a few minutes longer. Stir in the scallions, season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.