🌱 Marlene’s Swiss Chard Hug-in-a-Bowl 🍲

There are days when what we truly need isn’t just food — it’s a gentle embrace in a bowl. That’s exactly how I feel about this dish. “Marlene’s Swiss Chard Hug-in-a-Bowl” is perfect when your heart needs grounding, and your body craves deep nourishment. Swiss chard, with its silky leaves and colorful stems, is one of my favorite leafy greens — earthy, healing, and so beautiful to cook with.

This bowl is my go-to when I want something simple yet deeply satisfying. It’s creamy without cream, rich in minerals, and packed with flavor. Every spoonful reminds me to slow down, breathe, and honor the sacred act of feeding ourselves with love.

Let’s cozy up and make a bowl together. 💚

✨ Swiss Chard & White Bean Sauté (my hug-in-a-bowl)

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch Swiss chard (leaves and tender stems)

• 1 can of white beans (like cannellini), drained and rinsed

• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 1 small onion, chopped

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• A drizzle of olive oil

• Sea salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: a pinch of chili flakes or cumin

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant.

2. Add the chopped stems of the Swiss chard first (they take a little longer to cook), sauté 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the leaves, stir until they wilt and turn bright green.

4. Stir in the beans, season to taste, and warm everything through.

5. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and, if you like, a touch of chili for warmth.

Serve warm, close your eyes for a moment, and feel the comfort settle in. This bowl is pure nourishment—simple, whole, and profoundly healing.

🥗 Swiss Chard & Chickpea Lemon Skillet

A bright, zesty skillet meal that comes together in 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch Swiss chard (stems and leaves separated and chopped)

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon + zest

• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and chard stems for 3–4 minutes.

2. Add chickpeas and cook until golden and slightly crisp, about 5 minutes.

3. Add chard leaves, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Sauté until just wilted (2–3 minutes).

4. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and red pepper flakes, if desired.

✨ Try it over quinoa or tucked into a warm pita!

🧄 Garlicky Swiss Chard & Potato Mash

A rustic, comforting twist on mashed potatoes with the magic of greens.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium potatoes, cubed

• 1 bunch Swiss chard, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil or plant-based butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: a splash of oat milk or broth for creaminess

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 10–12 minutes.

2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and Swiss chard until softened.

3. Drain potatoes, mash with a fork or potato masher, and mix in sautéed chard and garlic.

4. Add oat milk or broth as needed. Season to taste.

   
   

💚 Delicious alongside lentil loaf, roasted veggies, or as a bowl base.

Happy Cooking!

Love Marlene.