Blitva na lešo with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) Swiss chard 500g (1.1 lb) Swiss chard
• 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste Pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the Swiss chard thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Cut the leaves into thin strips.
2. 2.
   Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the Swiss chard and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
4. 4.
   In a separate pot, boil the potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
5. 5.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked Swiss chard to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked potatoes to the skillet and gently toss to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the potatoes are heated through.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the lemon zest and red pepper flakes (if using) over the dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Swiss chard — Make sure to remove the tough stems before cooking. The leaves cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them to maintain their vibrant green color and texture.
• Potatoes — Cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Test for doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be tender but not mushy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a burst of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the dish just before serving.
• Add a handful of pine nuts or toasted almonds for a delightful crunch.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Serve Blitva na lešo as a side dish with grilled fish or roasted chicken for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be enjoyed the next day as a delicious filling for omelets or as a topping for bruschetta.

Serving advice

Serve Blitva na lešo hot as a side dish or as a main course accompanied by crusty bread. It pairs well with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill to add a pop of color. Serve it in a rustic ceramic dish to showcase the simplicity and authenticity of the Croatian cuisine.