Garlic Chickpeas with Swiss Chard: A 50/50 Starch Solution Recipe

Updated at: 10/06/2025

Craving a flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly satisfying meal that's quick to prepare? Look no further than this Garlic Chickpeas with Swiss Chard recipe! This vibrant dish perfectly balances the earthy sweetness of Swiss chard with the savory depth of garlic-infused chickpeas, creating a culinary experience that's both simple and sophisticated. It's a fantastic vegetarian option, packed with protein and fiber, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. The 50/50 starch solution is cleverly incorporated, ensuring a balanced and energy-sustaining meal without the usual post-meal slump.

This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency, maximizing flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, you’ll find this recipe accessible and rewarding. Ready to dive into the delicious details and create this incredible dish? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions!

Tools Needed

  • Non-stick saucepan
  • Knife (Doll Strong Mini Santoku recommended)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Slotted spoon

Ingredients

  • Fresh Swiss chard: 10-12 ounces
  • Garlic cloves: 6
  • Chickpeas (canned): 15 ounces
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Lemon
  • Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Swiss Chard

  • Separate the leaves from the stems. Chop the stems into small slices, like celery. Stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice them into thin ribbons.
Prepare the Swiss chard: Separate the leaves from the stems. Chop the stems into small slices, like celery. Stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice them into thin ribbons.
Prepare the Swiss Chard

Step 2. Sauté the Chard Stems and Leaves

  • Add a little water to a non-stick saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the chopped stems and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, adding more water if needed.
  • Add the sliced garlic to the saucepan. Stir in the Swiss chard ribbons. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the leaves are wilted.
Sauté the stems: Add a little water to a non-stick saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the chopped stems and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, adding more water if needed.Add garlic and Swiss chard leaves: Add the sliced garlic to the saucepan. Stir in the Swiss chard ribbons. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the leaves are wilted.
Sauté the Chard Stems and Leaves

Step 3. Combine with Chickpeas and Season

  • Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas. Season with black pepper. Mix well and cook until heated through.
Incorporate chickpeas and seasonings: Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas. Season with black pepper. Mix well and cook until heated through.
Combine with Chickpeas and Season

Step 4. Serve and Garnish

  • Plate the garlic chickpeas with Swiss chard. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon and a lemon slice (optional).
Serve: Plate the garlic chickpeas with Swiss chard. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon and a lemon slice (optional).
Serve and Garnish

Read more: Delicious Chicken Maqluba Rice Recipe (Sinhala)

Tips

  • Use kale as a substitute for Swiss chard.
  • This recipe is a great way to use up homegrown Swiss chard or kale.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute other greens for the Swiss chard?

Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or even collard greens would work well as substitutes. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.

2. What is the '50/50 starch solution' and why is it important?

It refers to balancing the carbohydrates in the recipe. Half comes from the chickpeas (legumes) and half from the Swiss chard (non-starchy vegetable). This helps regulate blood sugar levels and provides sustained energy.


This Garlic Chickpeas with Swiss Chard recipe offers a delicious and healthy meal that's both satisfying and simple to prepare. The 50/50 starch solution ensures a balanced and energy-sustaining meal, perfect for any time of day. Enjoy this flavorful dish and experience the benefits of a well-balanced, plant-powered diet!