Braised Chard Stems with Saffron and Tomato |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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Ingredients:
1 pound chard stems |
1 quart water simmering with 1 bay leaf, 2 onion slices, 2 thyme sprigs, juice of 1 lemon |
salt and freshly milled pepper, to taste |
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil |
1/2 small onion, finely diced |
2 tablespoons approximately, basil leaves, torn into small pieces, plus extra for garnish |
pinch of saffron threads |
2 tomatoes, seeded and finely diced |
2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese |
Directions:
1. Preheat the broiler on low.
2. Trim the chard stems, then cut into 2 to 3inch lengths, on the diagonal.
3. Drop them into the simmering water, add 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cook until tender but still just a little resistant to the knife, about 12 minutes. Scoop them out, reserving the cooking liquid.
4. Heat the oil in a 10inch skillet with the onion, basil, and saffron threads. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and the saffron begins to yield its color, about 5 minutes. Add the blanched chard stems, season with salt and pepper, then add a cup of the reserved cooking water. Simmer, covered, until the stems are fully tender, about 7 minutes. Remove the lid, add the tomatoes, and cook until the remaining liquid has reduce to a syrupy consistency.
5. Transfer the cooked chard stems to a small gratin dish. Scatter the cheese over the top then slide under the broiler until the cheese is lightly browned in places. Garnish with a few more torn basil leaves, then serve
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