14 Jul 2023

Blitva – Swiss Chard and Potatoes

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Blitva is a simple, wholesome dish hailing from the beautiful coastal regions of Croatia. The name “Blitva” might sound exotic, but its ingredients are delightfully humble, consisting mainly of Swiss chard (also known as blitva) and potatoes.

blitva - Swiss chard and potatoes

Note from Ana

Hello, food lovers!

I'm excited to introduce you to a cherished recipe from my family's kitchen: Blitva. This simple, traditional Croatian dish has a special place in my heart because it was lovingly prepared for us by my grandmother. Made with Swiss chard (blitva in Croatian), potatoes, and often flavored with garlic and olive oil, it's a classic Mediterranean side dish that's as healthy as it is delicious.

Here's why I believe you should give Blitva a try:

  1. Authentic Experience: This dish is a great introduction to the genuine Croatian cuisine. It will transport you straight to the coastal region of Kvarner, which is known for its fresh, local ingredients and robust flavors.
  2. Easy Preparation: Blitva is an incredibly simple dish to prepare. Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, you'll have no trouble putting this dish together. Its simplicity doesn't detract from its taste - in fact, it's a testament to how great ingredients can shine when prepared with care.
  3. Healthy Choice: Swiss chard is packed full of vitamins A, K, and C, as well as minerals like magnesium and iron. Combined with the wholesome goodness of potatoes and the heart-healthy benefits of olive oil, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse.
  4. Versatility: Blitva is typically served as a side dish, but it's versatile enough to be a main meal if you prefer. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish or meat, or you can enjoy it on its own as a light, healthy lunch.
  5. Family Tradition: This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family. It's more than just a dish - it's a connection to my Croatian heritage. Each bite carries a story and a legacy that I'm proud to share with you.

So, if you're in the mood for a healthy, hearty, and authentic Croatian dish, Blitva is the perfect choice. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can bring a little piece of Kvarner to your table. Enjoy the journey, and don't forget to share this meal with someone you love - just as my grandmother shared it with us.

Best,

Ana

How to Prepare Blitva - Swiss Chard and Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg potatoes
  • 1 kg Swiss Chard
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper

 

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Put them in a large pot and fill it with water just until the potatoes are covered. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Swiss chard: While the potatoes are cooking, rinse the Swiss chard thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into 1-inch wide strips.
  3. Cook the Swiss chard: Once the potatoes are done, add the Swiss chard to the same pot. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chard is wilted. Drain well, leaving a small amount of water with the vegetables. This will give a slight broth which is typical for the dish.
  4. Add the garlic and olive oil: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it’s fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Pour the garlic and oil over the potatoes and chard. Gently mash the potatoes with a fork until desired consistency.
  5. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently and serve warm.
  6. Dobar tek!

How to Serve and Pair:

Serving Suggestions: Blitva is traditionally served as a side dish but can also be enjoyed as a light main course. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish, meat, or a simple salad.

Pairing: Blitva, with its earthy and slightly bitter notes from Swiss chard, pairs well with a crisp, light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines complement the dish's natural flavors without overpowering them, and their acidity helps to balance the richness of the olive oil and potatoes in the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime can refresh the palate in a similar way.

Dietary Information:

Make-Ahead Tips:

Blitva can be prepared a few hours in advance and reheated before serving. It retains its flavor and texture quite well.

Cleaning Tips:

For an easy cleanup, soak pots and pans immediately after cooking. Use a gentle scrubber to remove any leftover bits without damaging your cookware.

Blitva - Swiss Chard and Potatoes

Frequently Asked Questions for Blitva – Swiss Chard and Potatoes

 

What is Blitva?

Blitva is a traditional Croatian dish that primarily consists of Swiss chard (which is called blitva in Croatian) and potatoes. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious side dish that is often seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and salt.

What does Blitva taste like?

The taste of Blitva is largely dependent on the freshness of the Swiss chard and potatoes. Generally, it has a mildly bitter, earthy taste from the chard, balanced by the creamy, starchy potatoes. The garlic and olive oil add a savory, rich flavor to the dish.

How do you serve Blitva?

Blitva is typically served as a side dish. It pairs well with most proteins, especially grilled fish or meat, in accordance with Mediterranean cuisine. However, it can also be enjoyed on its own for a light, healthy meal.

Is Blitva vegetarian/vegan?

Yes, the basic recipe for Blitva is both vegetarian and vegan, as it includes vegetables, olive oil, and seasonings. As long as no animal products are added in preparation, it is suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Can I use another green if I can’t find Swiss chard?

Absolutely. If you can’t find Swiss chard, spinach, kale, or collard greens make good substitutes. Just keep in mind that each green has a distinct flavor, so substituting the Swiss chard will alter the flavor of the dish slightly.

Can I make Blitva ahead of time?

Blitva is best served immediately after cooking to enjoy the full flavor and texture. However, if you must prepare it in advance, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving. The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

How do I clean Swiss chard?

To clean Swiss chard, first remove the stems by holding the chard at the stem and stripping the leaves with your other hand, or by using a knife to cut along the stem. Rinse the leaves in a large bowl of cool water, gently agitating them with your hands to remove any dirt or grit. Rather than draining the water, lift the leaves out, leaving the dirt behind. Repeat this process with fresh water until no more dirt comes off the leaves, usually after two or three rinses. Once clean, pat the leaves dry with a towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water, leaving them slightly damp. You can then chop the leaves to your preferred size for your dish. If you want to use the stems, they need longer cooking time. Chop them into small pieces and sauté them before adding the leaves.

 

Blitva - Swiss Chard and Potatoes: A Croatian Delight

Blitva _ Swiss Chard and Potatoes

 

Blitva - Swiss Chard and Potatoes

Blitva - Croatian Swiss Chard and Potatoes

Blitva is a simple, wholesome dish hailing from the beautiful coastal regions of the Balkans, especially popular in Croatia and Montenegro. The name “Blitva” might sound exotic, but its ingredients are delightfully humble, consisting mainly of Swiss chard (also known as blitva) and potatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Croatian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 kg Swiss chard
  • 4 cloves gallic minced
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Put them in a large pot and fill it with water just until the potatoes are covered. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Prepare the Swiss chard: While the potatoes are cooking, rinse the Swiss chard thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into 1-inch wide strips.
  • Cook the Swiss chard: Once the potatoes are done, add the Swiss chard to the same pot. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chard is wilted. Drain well, leaving a small amount of water with the vegetables. This will give a slight broth which is typical for the dish.
  • Add the garlic and olive oil: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it's fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Pour the garlic and oil over the potatoes and chard. Gently mash the potatoes with a fork until desired consistency. 
  • Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently and serve warm.
  • Dobar tek!

Notes

Cleaning Swiss chard: To clean Swiss chard, first remove the stems by holding the chard at the stem and stripping the leaves with your other hand, or by using a knife to cut along the stem. Rinse the leaves in a large bowl of cool water, gently agitating them with your hands to remove any dirt or grit. Rather than draining the water, lift the leaves out, leaving the dirt behind. Repeat this process with fresh water until no more dirt comes off the leaves, usually after two or three rinses. Once clean, pat the leaves dry with a towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water, leaving them slightly damp. You can then chop the leaves to your preferred size for your dish. If you want to use the stems, they need longer cooking time. Chop them into small pieces and sauté them before adding the leaves.
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Welcome to my culinary haven! My name is Ana, and I'm the passionate voice behind World Cuisines Network. Here, I share recipes that have not only won the approval of my family but have also stood the test of time in our kitchen. My goal is to introduce the rich tapestry of global flavors right to your family table. Thank you for dropping in! We're thrilled to have you join us.
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