Swiss Chard Pesto Recipe
INSPIRED BY SWITZERLAND
SA
Chard comes from the Latin word that means artichoke thistle. The reason it was named Swiss is unclear because Swiss chard is not actually native to Switzerland. Instead, this leafy green comes from the Mediterranean. Swiss chard is a much older close relative of beets.
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During the 19th century, a Swiss botanist determined the scientific name for Swiss chard. To honor his nationality, the leafy green earned its common name.
SAVE FOR LATER
Makes 2 cups
Ingredients
1/3 cup shelled walnuts
15-20 leaves of Swiss chard, chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, shaved
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Directions
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Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Blend until the desired consistency forms.
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If using a mortar and pestle, crush the walnuts until a fine crumb forms. Add the Swiss chard and garlic, and mash until smooth. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Mash until the desired consistency forms.
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Store pesto in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Use throughout the week in the next two recipes. Pesto can last in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months.
Uses
Leek Galette
As a landlocked nation, Switzerland is bordered by France, Italy, Germany and Austria. Swiss cuisine is therefore largely influenced by these neighbors. One French culinary influence is the galette, a flat puff pastry tart.
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Barley Minestrone
One of Switzerland’s neighbors is Italy. Minestrone, a popular Italian soup, comes from an Italian verb that means to dish up. Thus, the recipe really isn’t written in stone. The soup’s ingredients vary from cook to cook and day to day.
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