Blitva sa Krumpirom (Dalmatian Swiss Chard and Potatoes)

Blitva sa Krumpirom is the classic side dish of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, simple boiled chard and potatoes finished with plenty of garlic and olive oil. Fishermen’s families have served it alongside the day’s catch for generations. It’s rustic, unfussy, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Swiss chard, stems and leaves separated and chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and chard stems, and cook for 8 minutes.
2. Add the greens
   Add the chopped chard leaves to the pot and cook another 5 minutes, until everything is tender. Drain well.
3. Sauté the garlic
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook garlic until golden and fragrant, about 1 minute — take care not to burn it.
4. Combine and mash slightly
   Add the drained potatoes and chard to the skillet, and toss gently, roughly breaking up some of the potato as you stir, until well coated in the garlicky oil.
5. Season and serve
   Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm with lemon wedges, alongside grilled fish or as a light meal on its own.

For a heartier vegetarian main, serve it with crusty bread and a fried egg on top.