Looking for a way to get more greens on your plate without the fuss? This Instant Pot Swiss Chard is your answer! Forget long simmering times; this pressure cooker method transforms leafy greens into a tender, spicy, and incredibly flavorful side dish in a matter of minutes. The combination of cumin and red pepper flakes adds a wonderful warmth that will make this your new go-to vegetable recipe.
Ingredients
• 2 large heads Swiss chard, ribs removed and leaves chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp / 30 ml extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ tsp / 1.25 ml ground cumin
• ⅛ tsp / 0.6 ml crushed red pepper flakes
• ⅛ tsp / 0.6 ml cayenne pepper
• ⅓ cup / 80 ml water
Instructions
1. Combine all (chopped Swiss chard, olive oil, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and water) in the inner pot of the Instant Pot and stir to mix.
2. Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to the “Sealing” position.
3. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the timer to 3 minutes on High Pressure.
4. Once the cooking cycle is complete, press “Cancel” and allow the pressure to release naturally, which will take about 10 minutes.
5. Carefully remove the lid, stir, and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving (Serves 6)
• Calories: 50
• Total Fat: 4.8g
• Net Carbs: 0.31g
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fiber: 0.5g
Pro Tips
• Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne. For a milder version, use just a pinch or omit the cayenne entirely.
• Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar after cooking to brighten up the flavors and cut through the richness.
• Don’t discard the colorful Swiss chard ribs! Chop them finely and sauté them for a minute in the Instant Pot with the olive oil before adding the leaves for extra texture.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the Swiss chard stems in this recipe
A: Yes, for extra texture, you can use the stems. The pro tips suggest chopping them finely and sautéing them in the Instant Pot with olive oil for a minute before adding the leaves and other ingredients.
Q: How can I make this Swiss chard less spicy
A: To reduce the heat, simply adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper. For a milder dish, use just a pinch of red pepper flakes or omit the cayenne pepper completely.
Q: What is a natural pressure release for this recipe
A: A natural pressure release means letting the Instant Pot’s pressure decrease on its own after the cooking cycle finishes. For this recipe, you will wait about 10 minutes for the float valve to drop before opening the lid.
Q: How can I add more flavor after cooking
A: To brighten the flavors, the recipe suggests finishing the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar after it has finished cooking.
