Can you use frozen Swiss chard?

Yes, you can use frozen Swiss chard for this recipe. There's no need to thaw it; simply add it to the pan with the coconut milk and water and cook until tender. It may take a couple of minutes longer than using fresh Swiss chard.

Can you leave out the dried red hot chile?

Yes, you can leave out the dried red hot chile in this dish if you don't have any or you don't like it. It will make the side less spicy but will still be delicious. (We really like how the chile is balanced by the creaminess of the coconut milk.)

What is light coconut milk?

Light coconut milk is thinner than regular coconut milk. This is due to the lower fat content. Note that light coconut milk comes in a can ; avoid using the coconut milk in a carton, which is a different ingredient.

Can you make this dish with other leafy greens?

Yes, you can make this side dish with other leafy greens. Feel free to swap or combine the Swiss chard with other leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, bok choy, and collard greens.

Creamy Swiss Chard With Coconut Recipe (With Step-by-Step)

Name: Creamy Swiss Chard With Coconut
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons grated peeled fresh ginger; 1 small dried hot red chile, such as chile de arbol, stemmed and crumbled; 2 pounds Swiss chard (3 to 4 bunches), stems removed, torn into 2-inch pieces (about 12 packed cups); 0.5 cup light coconut milk; Coarse salt

Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

Servings:

4

For a simple and delicious Swiss chard recipe, make this creamy coconut side. It combines aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger with dried hot chile and light coconut milk, resulting in a flavorful and zesty vegetable dish.

It's ready in just 20 minutes, meaning this leafy green number can be a quick and nutritious addition to weeknight dinners. What's more, as it features ingredients traditionally used in Thai cuisine, it will pair especially well with entrées such as our Spicy Basil Chicken Stir-Fry or Grilled Pork Loin with Lemongrass.

When shopping for Swiss chard, pick bunches with fresh, bright green leaves and firm stems. Skip over any bunches with brown or wilting leaves.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated peeled fresh ginger
1 small dried hot red chile, such as chile de arbol, stemmed and crumbled
2 pounds Swiss chard (3 to 4 bunches), stems removed, torn into 2-inch pieces (about 12 packed cups)
½ cup light coconut milk
Coarse salt

Directions

Heat oil and cook onion and spices:

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, and chile and cook until tender and fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes.

Kelsey Hansen
Add chard, coconut milk, and water:

Add chard leaves, coconut milk, and 2 tablespoons water.

Kelsey Hansen
Cover and cook:

Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until chard is tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt.

Kelsey Hansen

Don't toss the Swiss chard stems. To use the stems, roast them separately and serve them alongside this dish. You can also finely dice them and add them at the same time as the onions.

Variations

This Swiss chard recipe is easy to customize. Try adding the following ingredients for extra depth of flavor:

Fish sauce
Soy sauce
Fresh lime juice
Curry paste
Lemongrass

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy Swiss chard in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Eat within three to four days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use frozen Swiss chard?

Yes, you can use frozen Swiss chard for this recipe. There's no need to thaw it; simply add it to the pan with the coconut milk and water and cook until tender. It may take a couple of minutes longer than using fresh Swiss chard.
Can you leave out the dried red hot chile?

Yes, you can leave out the dried red hot chile in this dish if you don't have any or you don't like it. It will make the side less spicy but will still be delicious. (We really like how the chile is balanced by the creaminess of the coconut milk.)
What is light coconut milk?

Light coconut milk is thinner than regular coconut milk. This is due to the lower fat content. Note that light coconut milk comes in a can; avoid using the coconut milk in a carton, which is a different ingredient.
Can you make this dish with other leafy greens?

Yes, you can make this side dish with other leafy greens. Feel free to swap or combine the Swiss chard with other leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, bok choy, and collard greens.