Baked Greens(Swiss Chard, Spinach Or Mustard)
A healthy baked greens dish featuring spinach, Swiss chard, or mustard greens with water chestnuts, offering a tender texture and savory flavor perfect for family dinners or side dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. greens (your choice)
- 1 (5 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Place greens with just the water that clings to leaves in a saucepan.
- Cover and cook for 3 to 10 minutes for spinach; 15 to 20 minutes for Swiss chard and mustard greens.
- Drain thoroughly and chop.
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Place greens in an ungreased 10 x 6 x 1.5-inch baking dish.
- Arrange water chestnuts over greens.
- Spread soup over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh greens and adjust cooking times based on your choice; spinach cooks quickly, while Swiss chard and mustard greens take longer. If you want to add extra flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic or onion when cooking the greens. You can also substitute water chestnuts with sliced mushrooms or chopped nuts for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
This baked greens dish pairs beautifully with an Open-Faced Sandwich for a light lunch or dinner. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu. A simple side salad can also complement the dish nicely, adding freshness and crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Greens(Swiss Chard, Spinach Or Mustard) contains roughly 21 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen greens instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen greens, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking. Since frozen greens are already blanched, you can reduce the cooking time to just a few minutes to heat them through before baking.
What type of soup should I use?
A cream-based soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery, works best for this recipe. If you're looking for a lighter option, you could use a vegetable broth or a homemade white sauce for a healthier twist.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, just pop it in the oven for the recommended baking time to heat it through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).