Chard Wrapped Kids Recipe

The origin of the recipe for wrapped children is in doubt, since the preparation of this dish is very common in Italy and in Middle Eastern countries. Its original version consists of a vine leaf that wraps a meat filling mixed with rice, spices and raisins. However, there are other versions that consist of wrapping the stuffing with cabbage, meat or chard, as is the case with the recipe that we propose.

If you wonder how to make chard wrapped children, don’t miss this recipe. Let’s cook!

Ingredients to make Chard Wrapped Children:

• For the children involved

1.  6 chard leaves
2.  1 dessert spoon of smoked paprika
3.  1 dessert spoon of rosemary
4.  ¼ dessert spoon of ground chili
5.  ½ dessert spoon of turmeric
6.  200 grams of minced pork

For the sauce

1.  200 grams of peeled plum tomatoes
2.  1 onion
3.  ¼ red bell pepper
4.  1 small carrot
5.  ½ dessert spoon of paprika
6.  ½ dessert spoon of thyme

How to make Chard Wrapped Kids:

• To start preparing the recipe for children wrapped in chard, first season the meat to taste. If you prefer, instead of just using dry seasoning, you can add 1 raw grated onion, 1 roasted or minced garlic clove, 1 carrot, or 1 finely grated pumpkin slice. Knead the mixture a little so that the ingredients are well distributed and take on some consistency. That way, it won’t fall apart inside the chard leaf.
• Arrange a sufficient amount of the preparation on the clean chard leaf and without its stem. If you wish, you can add a cube of fresh cheese in the center of the meat to add a surprise filling.
• Tip: it is not necessary to blanch the chard leaf beforehand. It will cook in the sauce and also lose less nutrients.
• Close the sheet with the filling, we point out that in the following image we provide you with the steps you must follow to close it. Repeat this process with each sheet and set them aside while you continue with the next steps.
• On the other hand, grate the onion and carrot. Cut the chili into small cubes. Next, cook the vegetables in a pan over high heat with 1 teaspoon of oil. When it starts to brown, lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of hot water. Repeat this process until the vegetables are cooked through (approximately 5 minutes).
• After that time, raise the heat to the maximum and add the wine. When the alcohol evaporates, you will not smell acidic, but sweet. Lower the heat to a minimum, add the crushed tomato and also add seasonings to taste such as paprika, thyme and white pepper. The recipe for children wrapped in chard is almost ready!
• Arrange the wrapped children on top of the sauce with the seam facing down. Cover the pan and cook them for about 15 minutes.
• Tip: during cooking, check that there is enough liquid to cook the children wrapped in meat. If it evaporates, add hot water.
• Serve the children wrapped in chard with the sauce and enjoy them piping hot. We recommend accompanying this dish with rice. Let’s eat!