Sautéed Lemon Garlic Chard

Simple seasonal flavors and a contrast of textures make this dish a winner. We like red chard for its bold color, but rainbow chard, yellow or classic green chard will be just as delicious. Finished with crispy hand-torn croutons, blood orange segments and bright lemon, this side will make your meal pop.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch (about ¾ pound) red chard, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1½ cups bite-size pieces torn from a loaf of rustic or country bread
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon, removed in thin strips with a zester
• 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 blood oranges or other small oranges, peeled and segmented

Method:

Use your hands to strip out tough stems from chard leaves. Slice in half lengthwise and cut into dice; set aside. Stack leaves together and slice them crosswise. Set leaves aside.

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over high heat. Add the bread and cook, stirring frequently, until the pieces are crisp and start to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add chard stems and cook, stirring frequently, until they just soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and chard leaves and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 3 minutes.

Stir in salt, pepper, zest and lemon juice. Stir in orange segments and remove from heat. Transfer chard to a platter and sprinkle with toasted bread.