By now you know that Pamela Salzman is our go-to kitchen guru who can transform cooking novices into a grade-A chef and have tried her amazing recipes for no-fail roast chicken, simple vegan chocolate pudding, and the perfect hard-boiled eggs. Well, today Chef Pamela is taking on our favorite seasonable veggie: Swiss chard. As if the rainbow colors weren’t delicious enough, Pamela is making these leafy greens even yummier with some dried apricots and pine nuts—trust us, this vegetable side dish will steal the spotlight of any meal!

SAUTEED SWISS CHARD WITH DRIED APRICOTS AND PINE NUTS
Serves 6 

• 1/3 cup unsulphured dried apricots (about 10)
• 2 bunches Swiss chard, (about 2 pounds), washed but not dried
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 3 Tablespoons unrefined, cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
• Optional: best quality balsamic vinegar for drizzling

Directions:

• 1. Place the dried apricots in a bowl with hot water to cover. Soak 10 minutes and drain. Chop coarsely or slice into slivers.
• 2. Separate the Swiss chard stems from the leaves. Dice the stems and keep separate. Coarsely chop the leaves.
• 3. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook for 1 minute. Add the chard stems and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender, about 3 minutes. Add the chopped chard leaves and apricots. Lightly season with sea salt and pepper and sauté until the leaves are tender, about 5 minutes.
• 4. Sprinkle with pine nuts and serve immediately or at room temperature. You can also drizzle a few drops of balsamic vinegar, if desired.