there is nothing quite as enchanting as the stillness involved with a blanketing of snow. it is something so effortlessly dreamy when you awake to the often bustling and hard world muted by a soft snow. picturesque and almost entrancing when you can’t lift your gaze from the window. a unifying fate of precipitation that we all instantly have in common. something pretty to watch, something easy to talk about – a reason to stay warm in bed, and a reason to gear up and make tracks with the dog. the weather is a year round, inebriating romance with me. i could write of the same heart about sunshine and heavy storms – however, when the snow comes my ruminations are instantly mellowed; soul instantly calmed.
how was the holiday? restorative, revitalizing? did it bring you home or keep you knit close to loved ones? were you able to enjoy quiet company or a rowdy jubilee? i am wishing you all the merriment. into this weekend, straight into the next holiday, and gathered passionately for the new year. after thanksgiving i tend to dance right into new year’s day. i am always amazed at how quickly time is on the wing this time of year. an immediate blink and we are transported to a new feel, new weather patterns, new goals, new visions, new memories.
just one long, deep breath and the garden can be completely tangible again. but we never quite stop talking about our plans. much deliberation and pulse is continuously alive in our tiny apartment. patiently watching the snow until the morning comes where spring is singing loudly on the breast of a bird. the snow introduces a unique element to what remains in beds outside. many leaves are sweetened, some of them harden, and others consider a sunnier life. my gut (or the plants) is/are telling me this week that the brussels (they) would like to come down (superb excitement). i am ever thrilled to share the beautiful breed we grew this year. i am ever thankful for the ability to cultivate. today we share chard stems. sometimes they are avoided, but their hallucinatory colors are a delight all their own.
- 1 tbl olive oil
- 1 bunch of scallions, white and green parts chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbl cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 / 4 tsp red pepper flakes + more for finish
- 1 lb chard stems (about 1 large bunch of chard), cut into 1 inch segments
- 3 / 4 cup vegetable stock
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas/1 can drained and rinsed
- 1 / 4 cup pine nuts
- in a large pan with lid heat olive oil. saute scallions until soft, 1-2 minutes. add garlic, cumin, coriander, and red pepper to skillet - cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. add chard stems and toss to coat in mixture. add vegetable stock, stir, and cover - cook 10 minutes or until stems are tender.
- stir in chickpeas and pine nuts. serve as a side or on toast, finishing with more red pepper flakes to taste.
I love chard, and love the spices and flavors you have included here. I also choose to add chickpeas to a lot of my meals for that added proteins. .
Hi Liora! I love chard, too. I think this was definitely a swiss chard awakening year for me. I’ve been fond in the past, but this year I focused on learning about it and growing it well – great results! Definitely love chickpeas all over everything – they are a wonder-food. Happy happy week to you. ♥
What a fantastic use of chard. Coriander, cumin, and red pepper flakes are my favorites – I’m willing to bet this dish will be a new favorite of mine as well. Beautiful writing, Danielle. xo.
Tessa thank you so much for the love and interest! I know I’m in good company when we can talk about those awesome chard stems – they are a beet-like treat that deserves all the praise they can get. ♥
Such a lovely dish Danielle! I almost thought it was rhubarb on first glance with those oranges and pinks going on – but chard it is, and I love how you have used spices, chickpeas and pine nuts for lots of flavour and a middle-eastern feel. And I totally agree about snow – I had a white christmas with family in Colorado last year, and the all encompassing silence of a snow blanket was something I have never experienced before. Hope you had an amazing holiday too <3
What a wonderful way to use chard stems! I’m all about waste free cooking and am always looking for creative ways to use vegetable stems. Pine nuts are my favourite, too! xo
Pine nuts are such a treat! Beautiful food, and such stunning photos Danielle XX
I love swiss chard – and using the stems like this is a beautiful way to show off those glorious colors! Yay to go momma nature
I’m missing my garden so much, I feel so connected, so grounded there and craving that feeling right now. Thank you for another lovely post, Danielle x