Italian-Style Sautéed Greens

Chard and kale, with their unique vitamin profiles, offer additional nutritional benefits when paired. By adding golden raisins and fresh chopped garlic to the mix, you'll do wonders for the flavor impact of these super greens.

Photo: Joanne Tsakos

By Diane Jacob

Serves: 4
Hands-on time: 20 minutes
Total time: 24 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 a bunch (5 to 6 oz) Swiss chard, ribs and leaves chopped separately
• 1/2 a bunch (5 to 6 oz) Tuscan or Lacinato kale, leaves chopped coarsely
• 3 tbsp golden raisins
• Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add chard ribs and kale leaves and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
4. Add chard leaves, a handful at a time, stirring to coat with oil and garlic. Cover and cook until greens have softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir once to keep greens and garlic from sticking. Add raisins and stir. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrients per 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 115, Total Fat: 7 g, Sat. Fat: 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g, Carbs: 12 g, Fiber: 2 g, Protein: 3 g, Sugars: 5 g, Sodium: 110 mg, Cholesterol: 0 mg

Nutritional Bonus: The deep dark-green leaves of chard and kale indicate that they are an excellent source of vitamin A for vision and vitamin K for maintaining bone health, as well as a very good source of vitamin C. Contrary to popular belief that carrots are best for eye health, you’ll be doing your eyesight a favor by stocking up on greens
.