Sautéed Rainbow Chard on a Tofu Whip

Looking for a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy your greens?

This Sautéed Rainbow Chard on a Tofu Whip is a fantastic choice. It’s simple yet packed with flavor, combining the vibrant crunch of rainbow chard with a creamy, tangy tofu whip.

This recipe is a showstopper whether you’re serving it as a starter at a dinner party or as a side dish next to pan-fried sea bream. Its combination of colours, textures, and flavours make it a memorable addition to any meal.

Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delightful dish!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this Sautéed Rainbow Chard on a Tofu Whip recipe:

• 1 large handful (200-300g) of rainbow chard
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 lemon
• 350g silken tofu
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Flaked almonds (to garnish)
• Chilli oil (to garnish)
• Salt and pepper

Choosing the Perfect Chard

When selecting rainbow chard, look for vibrant stems and crisp leaves.

Freshness makes a noticeable difference in flavour and texture.

If you can find it at a farmer’s market or a local farm shop, it’s likely to be fresher than grocery store options.

The brighter the stems and leaves, the more nutrients they contain, and they add a beautiful pop of colour to your plate.

Customising the Tofu Whip

The tofu whip is versatile and can be tailored to your taste.

Adding a touch of miso paste brings a hint of umami and enhances the creaminess, while a drizzle of soy sauce deepens the flavour.

You can also play around with herbs like chives or dill for a more savoury, herbaceous whip that pairs well with different vegetables.

Pairing with Other Dishes

This sautéed chard on tofu whip makes a delicious addition to various meals.

Serve it as a vibrant starter with crusty sourdough, or alongside grilled fish or roasted vegetables for a hearty, balanced meal.

You can even use it as a topping for grain bowls, adding a colourful, nutritious boost to quinoa or couscous dishes.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be kept fresh by storing the tofu whip and chard separately.

This prevents the chard from absorbing too much moisture and losing its texture.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the chard gently to maintain its crispness, and add it to the chilled tofu whip for a lovely contrast of warm and cold.

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Finely slice 4 cloves of garlic and add them to the same pan.

Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden. Be careful not to let it burn, as garlic can become bitter if overcooked.

Infusing the oil with garlic creates a rich flavour base for the chard. The fragrant oil gives depth and complements the chard’s natural earthiness.

Step 2: Prepare the Rainbow Chard

While the garlic is cooking, prepare the rainbow chard.

Trim off the ends (about 1 cm) and wash the chard thoroughly. Dry it well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cooking process.

Chop the chard into roughly 2-inch pieces and add them to the pan with the garlic.

Season with a large pinch of salt and the zest from half a lemon. The salt will help draw out the moisture and flavor, while the lemon zest adds a fresh, zesty note.

Step 3: Make the Tofu Whip

While the chard is sautéing (which should take about 10 minutes), you can prepare the tofu whip.

Add 350g of silken tofu, 1/2 cup nutritional yeast, and 1/2 cup tahini to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste.

This tofu whip will provide a rich and flavourful base that pairs beautifully with the sautéed chard. It’s a great alternative to creamy sauces and adds a nutritious punch.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chard

The chard is ready when it has wilted but still retains a bit of bite. It should be tender yet crisp, with a vibrant green colour.

Once cooked, remove it from the heat and set aside. Stir the chard occasionally to prevent it from sticking and to ensure even cooking.

This step helps the chard retain its lovely texture and vibrant colours, making it as appealing to look at as it is to eat.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

To serve, spoon a generous amount of the tofu whip onto a plate and top it with the sautéed chard. For an extra touch of flavour and texture, sprinkle with toasted flaked almonds and drizzle with some chili oil.

The almonds add a delightful crunch, while the chili oil introduces a bit of heat and richness.

This dish is versatile—serve it as a starter at your next dinner party alongside some fresh, crusty bread, or as a vibrant side dish with pan-fried sea bream for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Swiss chard instead of rainbow chard?

Absolutely. Swiss chard has a similar flavour and texture, though it lacks the colourful stems of rainbow chard.

The dish will be just as tasty, with the garlic-infused oil and creamy tofu whip highlighting the chard’s natural flavours.

What other garnishes can I add?

Feel free to experiment with garnishes.

Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while a sprinkling of fresh herbs like parsley or basil brings a bright, fresh finish.

You could also try a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet-tangy contrast.

Is there an alternative to tofu whip?

If you’re not a fan of tofu, you can make a similar base with cashews.

Soak raw cashews, then blend with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and a bit of water.

It will have a similar creamy consistency and pair well with the sautéed chard.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For more heat, you could add a finely chopped chilli to the garlic when sautéing.

Alternatively, increase the amount of chilli oil when garnishing or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the chard for an extra kick.

Can this dish be made in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the tofu whip in advance and keep it chilled until needed.

The chard is best cooked fresh, as it maintains its texture and vibrant colour, but it can be prepped ahead by washing and chopping in advance.

Just sauté it before serving for the best result.

And that’s it for this Sautéed Rainbow Chard on a Tofu Whip recipe. You can find the whole thing on a handy recipe card just below, so be sure to Pin it for later!

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