This collection of easy silverbeet recipes covers a variety of cuisines and flavours, from Italian to Greek, Japanese to Spanish; and includes easy family dinners, sides and lunches!
I am a huge fan of this beautiful green leafy vegetable and grow it every year. The young fresh leaves can be enjoyed raw in a salad. However the older, tougher leaves, and the stalks, are best cooked before eating.
Silverbeet, also known as Swiss chard or chard (and in some areas even spinach!), is a versatile leafy vegetable that is at its best July to November. (The end of winter / beginning of spring in my garden here in Australia; summer and beginning of Autumn in the UK). It does grow year-round in some places.
Wherever you are in the world, and whatever you call this versatile green leafy vegetable, I hope you will also enjoy our favourite simple silverbeet / Swiss chard recipes:
Silverbeet and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta
This comforting family dinner is a family favourite, served on its own or with some slices of crunchy garlic bread. With a creamy filling and rich tomato sauce, this is a different take on the ever popular spinach and ricotta shells.
Silverbeet and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Silverbeet Calzone
These simple meat-free calzone are made with just a handful of ingredients. If you use a store bought pizza dough they can be on the table in just 30 minutes! Leftovers are also delicious in lunchboxes.
Silverbeet Calzone (Swiss Chard Calzone)
Silverbeet Slice
Made with eggs, feta and herbs, this savoury slice is delicious warm or cold and makes the best sandwich filling!
Silverbeet Slice
Silverbeet with Miso Dressing
The most delicious Japanese-inspired side that pairs so well with grilled salmon. Or stir through some cooked noodles and top with a halved boiled egg or tofu for a simple dinner.
Japanese silverbeet with sesame miso dressing
Silverbeet And Chickpeas
If you are a fan of the Spanish tapas dish Espinacas con garbanzos with spinach and chickpeas, you will love this silverbeet recipe! It can be served warm, or leftovers are so delicious cold the next day!
Spanish Style Silverbeet with Chickpeas
Sautéed Silverbeet
This simple recipe is so versatile and goes with an array of dishes (or enjoy it on its own!). It is also a great recipe for using up silverbeet stalks.
Sauteed Silverbeet with Feta
Silverbeet and Feta Pie
Another silverbeet recipe that can be enjoyed warm or cold, this Greek-inspired feta and filo pastry pie is a delicious dinner that is also perfect for lunchboxes.
Silverbeet Spanakopita
Italian Silverbeet Pie
This beautiful Italian pie is a favourite for picnics. With a simple flour and olive oil dough this can easily be made vegetarian by swapping out parmesan for a vegetarian alternative.
Erbazzone (Italian silverbeet Pie)
Silverbeet Soup
This vibrant soup, made with just a handful of ingredient, is one of my son’s favourite soups! Packed with flavour from fresh basil and parmesan, it can be enjoyed as an easy lunch or dinner, especially when paired with some fluffy cheese scones!
Silverbeet Soup (Swiss Chard Soup)
Baked Eggs
On the table in 30 minutes, these baked eggs are a quick and easy lunch or brunch. All you need to serve them with is some hot buttered toast on the side!
Baked eggs with leeks, feta and silverbeet (Swiss chard)
Storing silverbeet (Swiss chard)
Wash the leaves and then store in a plastic bag in the fridge. It should keep for up to 3-4 days.
Growing silverbeet / Swiss chard
Silverbeet can be grown from seeds or seedlings, and prefers full sun / part shade. If you grow from seed, soak the seeds for a few hours before sowing. If you are thinning out the seedlings, they can be enjoyed in a salad.
To harvest – Cut as many leaves as you need from each plant (don’t take too many from one plant – always leave at least 4-5 leaves on a plant to help extend the growing period of the plant) and then leave the plant to grow more leaves. Once the plant starts to bolt the leaves can become bitter.
Let me know your thoughts!