Swiss chard is a delicious, nutritious vegetable that is unfortunately not always easy to find. If you can’t find swiss chard at your local grocery store, don’t worry – there are plenty of substitutes that you can use in its place!
In this blog post, we will list some of the best substitutes for swiss chard and explain the differences and similarities between them. We’ll also provide the exact ratios to use when substituting and give examples of how we’ve used the substitutes in our cooking.
List Of Swiss Chard Substitutes
- Spinach
- Collard Greens
- Mustard Greens
- Large Bok Choy
- Cavalo Nero (Black Tuscan) Kale
- Rhubarb
- Beet Greens
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
Spinach
If you’re in a pinch and you can’t find Swiss chard, mature spinach is a good substitute. The leaves of mature spinach are crispier than young spinach, and they have a slightly different taste so they are the better option.
The two greens are similar enough that they can be used in the same recipes, at a ratio of about 2:1 (two parts spinach to one part Swiss chard). Additionally, mature spinach has some benefits over Swiss chard. It’s more tolerant of hot weather, so it can be grown in a wider range of climates. And because it doesn’t bolt (produce flowers and seeds) as quickly as Swiss chard, it has a longer harvesting season.
So if you find yourself in need of a leafy green and all you can find is mature spinach, don’t worry – it will work just fine.
Collard Greens
Collard greens and Swiss chard are both bitter, dark leafy greens that can be used as substitutes for each other in a variety of dishes. While the two vegetables are similar in many ways, collard greens are slightly more bitter than Swiss hard and have a tougher texture.
When substituting collard greens for Swiss chard, it is best to use a ratio of 1:1. This will help to ensure that the final dish has the desired flavor and texture. While there may be some slight differences between the two greens, using collard greens as a substitute for Swiss chard is a great way to add some extra flavor and nutrients to your meal.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens and Swiss chard are both leafy green vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals. They also have a similar texture, making them a good substitute for each other in many recipes.
When swapping out one for the other, use a ratio of 1:1. Mustard greens have a slightly bitter and peppery flavor, while Swiss chard is slightly sweeter. However, both greens can be used in dishes where they will be cooked or blended, as their flavor will mellow out when heated.
For a quick and easy way to add some extra nutrition to your meal, try using mustard greens as a substitute for Swiss chard.
Large Bok Choy
If you’re looking for a leafy green vegetable with a texture similar to Swiss chard, large bok choy is a good substitute. The white stalks of bok choy are slightly firmer than those of Swiss chard, but when cooked, the two vegetables have a similar texture.
When substituting bok choy for Swiss chard, it’s important to use a ratio of about 2:1. In other words, for every 2 cups of chopped Swiss chard, use 1 cup of chopped bok choy.
Both vegetables have dark green leaves, so they’ll also look similar when used as a substitute in recipes. One benefit of using bok choy as a substitute for Swiss chard is that it’s easier to find in grocery stores.
So if you’re looking for a substitution that’s widely available and has a texture similar to Swiss chard, large bok choy is a good choice.
Cavalo Nero (Black Tuscan) Kale
Black Tuscan kale, also known as lacinato or dinosaur kale, is a dark green leafy vegetable with a texture similar to Swiss chard. The leaves are slightly sweeter and more tender than other types of kale, making them a good choice for salads and stir-fries.
When substituting Black Tuscan kale for Swiss chard, it’s important to use a ratio of 2:1, since the kale is less hearty. The intense flavor of Black Tuscan kale is complemented by both sweet and savory dishes, making it a versatile ingredient.
In addition to its delicious taste, Black Tuscan kale is packed with nutrients and is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. For these reasons, it’s no surprise that this leafy green is becoming a popular substitute for Swiss chard.
Rhubarb
While rhubarb and Swiss chard may not be identical, they are similar enough that rhubarb can often be used as a substitute for Swiss chard in recipes. Both have long, dark green leaves, and they share a similar texture and mild flavor.
However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind when making the swap. Rhubarb is a fruit, so it is slightly sweeter than Swiss chard. In addition, rhubarb is much more tart, so it may need to be combined with other ingredients to balance out the flavor.
When substituting rhubarb for Swiss chard, it is also important to keep the ratio in mind. For every cup of Swiss chard called for in a recipe, you will need about two cups of rhubarb. With these guidelines in mind, you can successfully use rhubarb as a delicious and nutritious substitute for Swiss chard in a variety of dishes.
Beet Greens
Beet greens are a delicious and nutritious leafy green vegetable that can be used as a substitute for Swiss chard in many recipes.
Both beet greens and Swiss chard have a similar texture and creamy nutty flavor, making them interchangeable in most dishes.
When substituting beet greens for Swiss chard, it is important to use the same ratio of greens to other ingredients. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped Swiss chard, you would use 1 cup of chopped beet greens.
Broccoli
When it comes to leafy greens, broccoli and Swiss chard are two popular options. Both are packed with nutrients and have a similar texture. However, there are some cases where one might be a better option than the other.
For example, when making a soup or stew, broccoli can be used as a substitute for Swiss chard. The ratio of water to solids is important in these dishes, and broccoli has a higher water content than Swiss chard. This means that it will break down more easily and add more liquid to the dish.
Additionally, broccoli has a softer texture than Swiss chard. This can be an advantage when you want a dish with a smoother consistency.
When cooked properly, both broccoli and Swiss chard make delicious and healthy additions to any meal. But knowing when to use each one will help you get the most out of these versatile vegetables.
Cabbage
Many people are surprised to learn that cabbage can be used as a substitute for Swiss chard. Although the two vegetables have different flavors, cabbage can mimic Swiss chard when it is cooked similarly.
Cabbage should be cooked for the same amount of time as Swiss chard. This will help to prevent it from becoming mushy or limp. By following these simple tips, you can easily use cabbage as a substitute for Swiss chard in many recipes.
FAQ
Is Swiss chard and spinach the same thing?
No, Swiss chard and spinach are not the same things. While they are both leafy greens, they have different textures and flavors.
Which is better Swiss chard or spinach?
This is a matter of personal preference. Both Swiss chard and spinach are healthy leafy greens that can be used in a variety of recipes.
Is chard healthier cooked or raw?
Chard is a nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed cooked or raw. When eaten raw, it retains more of its vitamins and minerals. However, cooking chard can make it more digestible and help to release its nutrients.
Do you eat the stems of Swiss chard?
The stems of Swiss chard are edible and can be enjoyed cooked or raw.
Does Swiss chard make you gassy?
Some people find that Swiss chard can cause bloating and gas. If this is a concern, you may want to cook the chard instead of eating it raw. Cooking will help to release some of the gas-producing compounds in the chard.
Conclusion
Swiss chard is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different recipes. While some similar vegetables can be substituted for Swiss chard, it is important to know the differences between them. By understanding these differences, you can make sure that your dish turns out exactly as you had hoped.
Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful.