The beauty of swiss chard never ceases to amaze me. Even in a Lego Movie cup they make a great bouquet.
For a new twist, I used the above bunch to make a vegetarian adaptation of Guy Fieri’s spicy swiss chard and artichoke dip. Lauren, our pescatarian, had a few friends staying with us, including a vegetarian, so this was a great snack before dinner.
Swiss Chard and Artichoke Dip – Vegetarian Version
adapted from Guy Fieri’s Spicy Swiss Chard and Artichoke Dip
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the baking dish
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 – 3 tsp smoked paprika
8 cups (lightly packed) roughly chopped Swiss chard, stems removed
One 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed, roughly chopped
1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapenos, drained
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for topping
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Tortilla chips, for serving
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the Swiss chard and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes.
Stir in the smoked paprika, artichoke hearts, pickled jalapenos and sun-dried tomatoes and heat through, 1 minute.
In a deep pot, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking, until golden, 2 minutes. Lower the heat to medium and slowly pour in the milk while whisking; cook, whisking constantly, for 5 minutes. Add the sauce to the chard mixture.
Stir in the ricotta, cream cheese, cheddar and Parmesan. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with some grated Parmesan.
Bake until golden brown and bubbly, 20 minutes. Serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
