Chard is Swiss chard, which is very beneficial for the body. Eating greens daily will not only enrich the body with useful substances, but also diversify the daily diet. Greens are consumed both fresh and prepared for the winter. To prepare chard, there are a variety of winter recipes.
Housewives love to use this vegetable for preparing various dishes, because chard replaces cabbage and spinach. It's quick and easy to prepare.
Useful properties of the plant
Both the stems and the leaves are beneficial in the plant. Nutrients that chard is rich in:
- Calcium and magnesium improve the condition of bones and teeth.
- Iron as an anemia prevention.
- Fiber improves food digestion and normalizes blood sugar.
- Antioxidants have a beneficial effect on hair and skin.
- Vitamin B improves brain activity.
In ancient times, Swiss chard was used to cleanse the blood. It helps form blood cells and improve blood clotting.
Preparation of the main ingredient
Leaves must be cut starting from the bottom. For further growth of the plant, it is necessary to leave 2-3 upper leaves.
Just rinse the leaves in water and dry them on a towel. The greens are ready for preparing salads and preparations.
Chard recipes for the winter
Greens can be prepared in different recipes. Let's look at the most common and proven ones.
Marinated
List of ingredients:
- main product;
- garlic;
- Bay leaf.
To prepare the solution:
- water - 1l;
- salt - 2 tbsp;
- sugar - 1 tbsp. l.;
- vinegar essence - 1 tsp.
Cooking method:
- Rinse the leaves under water and dry them by laying them on a towel.
- You can pickle them whole; later they will be useful for making cabbage rolls. And also cut into small pieces.
- Place cut or whole leaves, rolled into a tube, into a container.
- Fill with brine to the top and seal tightly.
Sour
Ingredients:
- chard;
- water - 1 l;
- salt - 1 tbsp.
This preparation is very simple to prepare.Place the crushed main product in pre-sterilized containers. Pour in hot brine. A prerequisite is sterilization. Duration: 25 minutes. After this, seal the jars hermetically.
Dried
Pre-soak the chard in cold water. If the vegetables are grown in your own garden, then simply rinse them. Allow to dry completely. Finely chop the leaves. Place on a baking sheet and place in the dryer. The temperature required for proper drying of vegetables is 50 degrees. Duration - 3-5 hours.
Then store in glass containers.
Frozen
Wash the leaves thoroughly and chop finely. Place in plastic containers or bags. It is important to freeze the product in portions. Sign and store in the far corner of the refrigerator.
Preparations for borscht
To freeze borscht preparations, add grated beets, garlic, onions and carrots to the chard. Divide the vegetable mixture into bags and freeze. To prepare borscht, the briquette does not need to be defrosted first. It is enough to add it after cooking the meat.
Salad with chard for winter time
To prepare the salad you will need the chard itself or additional vegetables. Mix chopped chard with carrots and onions. Add garlic and bell pepper. Season to taste with salt, sugar and vinegar.
Let it brew a little. After this, place in containers and pour in the released juice. Sterilize for 20 minutes and roll up.
Rules for storing greens
Chard greens should be used immediately after cutting. Can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days. To preserve the tops, they are placed in damp sand.
Foliage lasts the longest after freezing and canning.
