Chard Rice Vegan Recipes for Easy and Healthy Meals

Chard rice is a vibrant, nutritious, and incredibly versatile dish that deserves a spot in every vegan cook’s recipe collection. This leafy green vegetable, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, adds a beautiful color and earthy flavor to the humble grain of rice.

Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for guests, chard rice offers a satisfying, wholesome option that’s both comforting and light. With its subtle bitterness balanced by fragrant garlic and onion, this dish pairs wonderfully with a range of cuisines.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite spices and additional veggies. In this post, we’ll dive into delicious vegan chard rice recipes that are simple to make and perfect for any season.

From one-pot wonders to flavorful pilafs, these recipes will show you how to transform simple ingredients into impressive meals. If you love experimenting in the kitchen or are just getting started on your plant-based journey, these chard rice recipes will quickly become staples.

Ready to bring some green goodness to your table? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chard rice is an excellent way to incorporate nutrient-dense greens into your meals without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Easy to make: Requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for busy days.
• Highly nutritious: Swiss chard is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals, boosting your overall well-being.
• Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, nuts, or beans to create different flavor profiles and textures.
• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples like rice and leafy greens.
• Great for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for added fiber)
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, washed and roughly chopped (about 4 cups)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or any neutral oil
• 2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
• 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
• Juice of half a lemon (for brightness)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander or salad spinner for washing greens

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
2. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes (or according to package instructions) until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
3. Prepare the chard: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
4. Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Sauté the chard: Add the chopped Swiss chard stems first (they take longer to cook), sauté for 3 minutes, then add the leaves. Cook until the chard wilts and reduces in volume, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine rice and chard: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the sautéed chard. Stir well to combine and heat through.
7. Finish with lemon and herbs: Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture, and sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro. Stir gently to mix.
8. Serve warm: Transfer to serving bowls and enjoy your flavorful vegan chard rice!

Tips & Variations

“Don’t discard the chard stems! They add a lovely crunch and a bit of sweetness when sautéed first.”

• Use brown rice or quinoa: For a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Add protein: Toss in cooked chickpeas, tofu cubes, or lentils to make it a complete meal.
• Spice it up: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
• Try different herbs: Swap parsley for basil, mint, or dill for varied tastes.
• Mix in nuts or seeds: Toasted pine nuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds add crunch and healthy fats.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan chard rice is delicious served as a standalone side or as a base for a more elaborate meal. Here are some ideas:

• Pair with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired bowl.
• Serve alongside spicy lentil stew or curry for a hearty dinner.
• Top with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra creaminess and crunch.
• For a festive touch, add pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries as a garnish.

Conclusion

Incorporating chard into your rice dishes is a wonderful way to enjoy a nutrient-packed, vegan meal that’s both simple and satisfying. These chard rice recipes highlight the versatility of this leafy green and how easily it integrates with everyday ingredients to create something special.

Whether you’re new to cooking with Swiss chard or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, these recipes offer flavor, nutrition, and convenience in every bite.

Don’t hesitate to experiment by adding your favorite spices or proteins to customize the dish to your liking. For more plant-based inspiration, you might enjoy our Harvest Hash Recipe or the vibrant Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

And if you’re interested in a tangy side, check out the Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe for a unique twist!

More Delicious Chard Rice Vegan Recipes to Try

Mediterranean Chard Rice Pilaf

This recipe combines the earthiness of chard with sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and toasted pine nuts to bring bold Mediterranean flavors to your plate.

• Ingredients: Chard, rice, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, pine nuts, garlic, onion, vegetable broth, lemon zest
• Tip: Use fresh herbs like oregano and basil to enhance the dish’s aroma.

Coconut Curry Chard Rice

For a creamy, fragrant meal, cook rice in coconut milk and fold in sautéed chard with curry powder, ginger, and garlic.

• Ingredients: Rice, coconut milk, chard, curry powder, ginger, garlic, onion, lime juice
• Tip: Add roasted cashews or chickpeas for protein and crunch.

Spicy Peanut Chard Rice Bowl

A fun fusion dish featuring chard rice tossed in a spicy peanut sauce with shredded carrots, scallions, and crushed peanuts on top.

• Ingredients: Rice, chard, peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, lime, garlic, carrots, scallions
• Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Try these variations to keep your chard rice meals exciting and flavorful. For more inspiration, explore our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or the hearty Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for non-vegan options.

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