SIMPLE GARDEN VEGETABLES: NEW CARROTS WITH SWISS CHARD AND HERBED RICE

Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of the garden with this simple, wholesome dish featuring tender new carrots and nutritious Swiss chard (beet greens), paired with fragrant parsley rice. A perfect light meal or side dish inspired by grandma’s garden bounty.

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🕒 Prep Time: 10 min

🍳 Cook Time: 25 min
🍽️ Servings: 2

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🥕 Ingredients

• 300 g new carrots
• 200 g Swiss chard leaves (mangold/beet greens)
• 1 small onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/8 tsp chili flakes
• 1/4 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/4 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp olive oil (for rice)
• 1/2 cup short-grain rice
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Peel and cut the carrots into bite-sized pieces. If thick, slice lengthwise before cutting.
2. Wash the Swiss chard leaves, stack them, roll tightly like a cigar, and slice into thin strips.
3. Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a small pot or large skillet. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Add crushed garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Stir in carrot pieces and chili flakes; cook for 8 minutes until carrots begin to soften.
6. Sprinkle sweet paprika, stirring quickly to coat the vegetables evenly (about 30 seconds).
7. Add Swiss chard in batches, stirring after each until it wilts (about 2 minutes per batch).
8. Pour in 150 ml water, season with salt and black pepper. Cover and simmer on low heat until carrots are tender, about 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of water if liquid evaporates too fast. The dish should have a little sauce remaining.
9. Stir in half the chopped parsley, mix well, and keep covered off the heat.

For the parsley rice:

10. Cook the short-grain rice as detailed here (see step 5). Drain well.
11. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan, add remaining parsley, and sauté briefly.
12. Add cooked rice, stirring to combine and coat with parsley. Season with salt to taste.

Serve the carrot and Swiss chard mixture with two generous spoonfuls of parsley rice per plate.

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💡 Tips

• Use fresh, tender new carrots and young Swiss chard for best texture and flavor.
• Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Short-grain rice provides a creamy, satisfying texture that pairs well with saucy vegetables.
• This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.

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🎉 Perfect For

• Light lunches or dinners
• Vegetarian meals
• Seasonal garden produce celebration

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📝 Final Thoughts

This garden-fresh recipe showcases the natural sweetness of new carrots and the vibrant earthiness of Swiss chard, complemented by aromatic parsley rice. It’s an easy, healthy way to savor simple ingredients with a touch of homegrown charm.