Did you know that you could make chard rolls using seasonal things from your garden?
All the ingredients in this blog come from our front garden in London which me and my fiance @lajatattoo converted into a vegetable garden!
Most front yards in London are mostly decorated with lawns or concrete but look at the abundance of food that you could produce with a bit of work. The chard that we used was 2 years old and keeps producing nonstop so it’s great to find alternative ways to cook some tasty meals with it.
How To Make Chard Rolls
Rolls Ingredients:
- 6-7 pieces of Chard leaves
- 1/2 cup of beans
- 1/2 cup of Amaranth seeds
- 1 Bunch of chives
- 100g oyster mushrooms
- 1 Bunch of Parsley
Sour Cream Ingredients:
- 1 Oatly cream
- 1-2 Cloves of garlic
- 1/2 Lemon
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Procedure:
- Separate the seeds of amaranth and blow air to remove debris
- Boil amaranth seeds and beans until soft
- Separate the chard stem from the leaves
- Shred mushroom and cut chives and parsley
- In a big pan, add olive oil, bring all the ingredients to heat, and mix them together
- Top with herbs in the end then mix again
- Blanch chard leaves in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Put 1 spoon of your mixture then roll the leaf tightly
Why Chard?
Chard, often known by its leafy relatives like spinach and kale, is a nutritious and amazing plant. It has good effects on our bodies such as the following:
- Nutritional Benefits: Chard is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, essential for maintaining healthy vision, boosting your immune system, and ensuring proper blood clotting. It’s also a good source of magnesium, potassium, and iron, which are crucial for muscle function, heart health, and energy levels.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Chard contains phytonutrients like beta-carotene and lutein, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
- Antioxidants Galore: The vibrant colors of chard leaves are not just for show. They indicate a high level of antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage.
Growing Chard in Your Garden
Chard is an excellent addition to any garden, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. It’s easy to grow, relatively pest-resistant, and thrives in both cool and warm climates. Here are a few tips to get you started.
- Planting: Sow chard seeds directly in the ground or start them indoors about two weeks before the last frost. Space the seeds about 12 inches apart to give the plants room to grow.
- Sunlight: Chard prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making it versatile for various garden setups.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture.
- Harvesting: You can start harvesting chard leaves when they’re about 6 inches long. Pick the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for future harvests.
Chard rolls are not only visually appealing but also nutritious and delicious. Growing and cooking chard promotes a healthy lifestyle while also reaping the benefits of fresh, local produce. So, why not try chard in your garden this season?
Happy growing and cooking!
