Creamy Swiss Chard Pesto

This creamy Swiss chard pesto is a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic basil pesto. It's made with tender Swiss chard, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice, and it's blended until smooth and creamy. This pesto is perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a dip for vegetables.

The origins of this Swiss chard pesto can be traced back to the fertile valleys of the Swiss Alps, where farmers have cultivated Swiss chard for centuries. The chard was traditionally used in soups, stews, and salads, but it wasn't until the early 1900s that a clever cook had the idea of blending it with other ingredients to create a pesto. This pesto quickly became a favorite among the locals, and it soon spread to other parts of Europe and beyond. Today, Swiss chard pesto is enjoyed all over the world, and it's a particularly popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 5 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the Swiss chard and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
3. Drain the Swiss chard and squeeze out any excess water.
4. In a food processor, combine the Swiss chard, pine nuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice.
5. Blend until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Why It Works

• Swiss chard is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin A, and magnesium.
• Pine nuts add a nutty flavor and a creamy texture to the pesto.
• Parmesan cheese adds a salty and umami flavor to the pesto.
• Garlic adds a pungent flavor to the pesto.
• Lemon juice adds a bright and acidic flavor to the pesto.
• Salt and pepper enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.