Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Let cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat oil in large skillet set over medium- high heat; cook mushrooms, garlic, and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper for 5 to 8 minutes or until golden brown and tender. Set aside.
- Blanch Swiss chard in large pot of boiling salted water for about 1 minute or until leaves are just starting to wilt. Drain and spread on clean towel; pat dry. Let cool completely.
- Grease 13- x 9-inch (3 quart) baking dish. Spoon 1 cup tomato sauce into bottom of dish; set aside. Toss together quinoa, ricotta, mushrooms, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/3 cup Parmesan, bread crumbs, egg, half of the basil, and remaining salt and pepper until well combined.
- Place 1 Swiss chard leaf on work surface. Place heaping 1/3 cup quinoa filling on core end of leaf and roll up tightly to enclose filling. Place seam side down in prepared pan. Pour remaining tomato sauce over top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling. Sprinkle with remaining basil.
What is Swiss Chard?
Swiss Chard is a type of leafy green with large, dark green fleshy leaves and an array of colorful hearty stalks, offering a beautiful and nutritious addition to a number of dishes. When cooked properly, the leaves offer a mild sweetness and earthy flavor, while the stems offer a crisp slightly bitter taste, creating a complex balance.
How Should I Prepare Swiss Chard?
Before cooking, the leaves should be separated from the stems, as they finish cooking at different times. It helps to pre-blanch the greens in a pot of salted boiling water for a minute to make them more tender and easier to use. While the leaves only need to be boiled for one minute, the stems will require three to four minutes. Once prepped, they can easily be baked or stir fried for your desired recipe.
Can I use the Stems?
This recipe calls for the stems to be removed, but do not throw them out! There a number of creative ways you can use these colorful, hearty stems in your recipes.
Bake
After removing them from the leaves, you can chop them up and roast them in the oven with olive oil and some salt for around 30 minutes. Cover the pan with tin foil for the first 15 minutes to build up steam and allow them to get more tender so they are easier to eat. These will pair nicely with a vegetable medley, especially with eggplant and tomatoes.
Stir-Fry
Stir-frying your swiss chard stems is a quick and easy way to add an interesting texture and hint of bitterness to your stir fry. Simply chop the stems, heat oil in a wok or large frying pan, add your aromatics like garlic and ginger, then toss in your stems. Throw in your choice of sauce and other vegetables if desired for a delicious side dish or serve with Riceselect® Premium Jasmine Rice for a perfect weeknight dinner.
For more delicious and creative vegetarian recipes, check out this Instant Pot Caribbean Rice and Beans with Grilled Jerk Eggplantthat would impress any guest. Or make this Turmeric Couscous Glow Bowl Recipe packed with delicious flavors and vibrant colors.
