Meatless Monday: Sauteed Swiss Chard and Chickpeas with Pine Nuts and Sultanas

Here is a fantastic meal using two of my favourite ingredients: swiss chard and chickpeas. It's hearty, delicious, and very quick to make.

The creamy sweetness of swiss chard pairs really nicely with nutty chickpeas, and the addition of toasted pine nuts and plump golden sultanas is lovely. A sprinkling of dried chilli flakes adds a nice kick, while a squirt of lemon at the end adds some acidity to help round out the flavours.

Make this once and you'll find yourself making it over and over again. Because it's that delicious and that easy.


Sauteed Swiss Chard and Chickpeas with Pine Nuts and Sultanas
Serves 2

1/2 large bunch of swiss chard, well rinsed and chopped
1/2 to 3/4 cup cooked chickpeas
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
2 to 3 tablespoons golden sultanas
1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon, or to taste

Heat some olive oil in a large, heavy pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and chilli flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, ensuring you don't burn the garlic. Add the chopped swiss chard, sprinkle with a bit of salt, stir and cover and let cook for about 3 minutes.

Uncover and add the chickpeas and golden sultanas. Stir again. If the pan if getting dry, add a splash of water. Cover and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the chickpeas are heated through and the sultanas have plumped up a bit.

Stir in the toasted pine nuts and season with salt and pepper. Squirt some lemon juice over the pan and stir to combine. Serve and enjoy!