Acelgas Guisadas: Colombian Creamy Stewed Swiss Chard
Acelgas Guisadas (Colombian Creamy Stewed Swiss Chard) is a savory, nutrient-dense side dish widely enjoyed in Latin American households. Whether you use hearty Swiss chard or delicate spinach, this creamy, cheese-infused stew transforms simple leafy greens into a rich, comforting accompaniment. It perfectly balances heavy, savory roasted meat dishes with its smooth texture and vibrant flavor.
The secret to this recipe lies in blanching the greens with a pinch of baking soda to perfectly preserve their vibrant color. After removing the tough stems, the finely chopped leaves are slow-cooked in a creamy blend of milk, butter, onions, and grated white cheese. In just 45 minutes, you will have a delicious, foolproof vegetable side ready for the table!
Acelgas Guisadas (Creamy Stewed Swiss Chard)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Swiss chard OR Spinach
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 3 tablespoons White cheese grated
- 2 White onions finely chopped
- 1 cup Milk
- A pinch of Baking soda
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the greens: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of baking soda (this is a classic trick to help preserve the bright green color of the leaves) and cook the Swiss chard or spinach for 15 minutes.
- Prep and mix: Drain the cooked greens thoroughly. Carefully remove and discard the thick white stems or veins, then finely chop the remaining green leaves. Place the chopped greens into a cooking pot and add the butter, grated white cheese, finely chopped onions, milk, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer and stew: Cover the pot tightly and let the mixture cook together over low heat for 20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the milk and cheese to reduce into a beautifully creamy sauce while the flavors meld.
- Serve: Remove the pot from the heat and serve this delicious, creamy vegetable stew immediately!
Video
Notes
- Perfect Pairings: This creamy, savory vegetable dish is traditionally served as a comforting side to hearty, protein-heavy dishes, especially roasted or grilled meats.
- Chard vs. Spinach: While they are distinct ingredients, they are often substituted for each other in domestic kitchens. This recipe works beautifully with either, though Swiss chard is highly recommended for its exceptional nutritional profile and hearty texture!
- The Many Names of Chard: Swiss chard is known by many curious names globally and regionally, including silver beet, perpetual spinach, beet spinach, seakale beet, or leaf beet.
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