If you love big flavors and easy cooking, Giada’s Braised Swiss Chard with Curried Bread Crumbs might just be your new favorite dish. Imagine crispy bacon, tender greens, and juicy grapes coming together in one skillet.

Add the golden, spiced crunch of curried bread crumbs, and you’ve got a plate that’s bursting with texture and taste! This dish feels right at home next to roasted meats or as a simple veggie-forward dinner on its own.

It’s quick to whip up and tastes just as good the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a little extra. You’ll love having leftovers to brighten up your lunch!

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 bunch of rainbow Swiss chard
• 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil (keep separate)
• 1 slice of thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced into rings
• 1 garlic clove, smashed and peeled
• ½ tsp of kosher salt, plus extra to taste
• 3 tbsp of dry vermouth
• 1 cup of halved red seedless grapes
• ¼ cup of bread crumbs
• ½ tsp of curry powder

How To Make Giada Braised Swiss Chard with Curried Bread Crumbs

1. Prepare the Swiss Chard: Start by separating the chard leaves from the stems. Chop the stems into ½-inch pieces and cut the leaves into 1-inch ribbons. Thoroughly wash both and keep them separate.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a 10-inch straight-sided pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and stir with a wooden spoon until the bacon is crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Sauté Shallot and Garlic: To the pan, add the sliced shallot and smashed garlic. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes, or until the shallot turns soft and fragrant.
4. Add Chard Stems: Increase the heat to high and stir in the chard stems. Cook for 1 minute to soften slightly.
5. Wilt the Chard Leaves: Add the chard leaves and ½ teaspoon of salt to the pan. Stir until they begin to wilt. Pour in the dry vermouth and add the halved grapes, stirring gently.
6. Braise the Chard: Cover the pan and let it cook for 2 minutes. Then uncover and continue cooking over high heat until most of the liquid has evaporated, leaving a small amount, about 3 minutes. Keep the chard warm.
7. Prepare Curried Bread Crumbs: In a small sauté pan, combine the bread crumbs, curry powder, remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring often with a rubber spatula, until the bread crumbs are golden brown and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Serve: Transfer the braised chard to a serving bowl and generously top with the curried bread crumbs. Enjoy the blend of sweet, savory, and spice with every bite!

Recipe Tips

• Substitute for Dry Vermouth: If dry vermouth isn’t available, use white wine or a splash of white wine vinegar mixed with water for a similar flavor profile in your braised chard.
• Make It Vegetarian: Swap the bacon for smoked paprika or a smoky-flavored tempeh to keep the savory notes while making this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: Toss in toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds with the curried bread crumbs for an extra layer of crunch and nuttiness in your dish.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauté pan when cooking the shallots and garlic for a spicy kick.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Recipes:

• Giada Pan-Roasted Asparagus with Crispy Fried Egg
• Giada Brown and Wild Rice Dressing
• Giada Roasted Squash With Cherries and Pistachios