Swiss Chard Gratin

I served the swiss chard gratin with roasted potatoes and lemon chicken. (search blog for lemon chicken recipe)

Once again I am experimenting with vegetables I have never cooked. Tonight we had swiss chard. I got this recipe from the whole foods website. It can be made a day in advance, stored in the fridge and baked right before serving. It was delicious!

2 bunches Swiss Chard leaves, chopped

1 cup water

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp unsalted butter

1 cup lowfat milk

2 tbsp flour

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 tbsp bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 350. Place chard leaves in a saucepan with the water and cook over medium heat until leaves are just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. Set chard aside. In the same saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. When butter has melted, whisk in the flour. Whisk constantly for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and reserved cooking liquid. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce has thickened, 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper then stir in half the grated cheese. Stir in the swiss chard and transfer to a butter 9x9 inch baking dish. SPrinkle with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Serve and enjoy!