Crunchy Swiss Chard

  You don't normally think of swiss chard as crunchy but adding mustard and cumin seeds before sauteeing the greens, transforms them.  Toasted sliced almonds,  added at the last minute, provides even more oomph. Swiss chard has never tasted this good before.

1 tbl. vegetable oil
1 tsp. cumin seeds
1 tsp. mustard seeds
1/2 of an onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 bunch swiss chard, leaves and stems separated and chopped
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, lower heat and add the cumin and mustard seeds.  Cover skillet until the mustard seeds stop popping.  Add the onion and garlic and saute until onion is translucent. Add the chopped stems and continue to saute until the stems are tender.  Add the leaves and toss mixture with a big spoon.  Continue to cook the greens, mixing the ingredients occasionally until the greens are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste and sliced almonds.  Toss all and serve.

Serves 4 as a side dish

Note: The greens are also delicious at room temperature