1poundSwiss Chard (with leaves and stems)(approximately 12 cups chopped)
1knobfresh ginger
6Tbutter
2twhole black peppercorns(plus ¼ teaspoon freshly ground)
1tcumin
4whole cloves
3dried bay leaves
1stick cinnamon
2cupsFresh Ricotta
Instructions
Prep the veg - Thinly slice the ginger, then mince enough of the ginger slices to yield 2 tablespoons. Wash and dry the Swiss chard. Separate the chard stems from the leaves. Chop the stems into ½ inch pieces. Stack the leaves and chop into 2 inch pieces.
Make the spiced butter -Add the butter, peppercorns, cumin, cloves, bay leaves, ginger root slices, and cinnamon to a small sauté pan and sauté over medium heat until the butter browns at the edges, about 3 minutes. Strain the spiced butter through a fine-mesh sieve into your skillet, pressing on the solids to release all of the butter. Discard the spices and ginger.
Sauté the greens in the spiced butter - Add the minced ginger and chard stems to the spiced butter and cook until the stems are softened. Then add the Swiss chard leaves, ½ teaspoon salt and the ground pepper, stirring to coat the greens with the butter. Cook until the greens are tender, about 3 minutes.
Finish and Serve - Transfer the Swiss chard to a shallow platter, garnish with dollops of fresh ricotta, and serve immediately.