Pickled Swiss Chard Stems

A creative way to reduce food waste by pickling Swiss chard stems with shallots and aromatic seeds. This tangy and crunchy pickle makes a great condiment or side dish.

4 servings
1 hr 25 min

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chard stems
  • 1 small shallot
  • ¼ cup kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons brown mustard seeds
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
  • 1 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
  • ½ cup sugar

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Toss chard stems, shallot, and salt in a colander set in the sink. Let stand 1 hour. Rinse and drain well.

    60 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, toast mustard and caraway seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until mustard seeds begin to pop, about 2 minutes. Let seeds cool.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Bring vinegar, sugar, and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan; let cool slightly. Pour brine into jars. Let cool slightly, then cover and chill.

    20 min

  4. 4.

    DO AHEAD: Pickles can be made 2 weeks ahead. Keep chilled.

  5. 5.

    Pickled Green Papaya Use the same salting method and brine, but instead of chard stems and shallot, use 1 sliced seeded peeled green papaya (about 1 lb.). Omit mustard and caraway seeds, and use 2 red or green Thai chiles and one 1"-piece peeled turmeric or ginger, thinly sliced. Pickled Banana Chiles Use the same salting method and brine, but instead of chard stems and shallot, use 1 lb. fresh banana chiles (cut a long slit in each pepper to allow brine to penetrate) and 1 sliced peeled carrot. Omit mustard and caraway seeds, and use 1 garlic clove.