Silqh

Silqh – Chard

صلقح

 

Ummul Munthir said, “The Messenger of Allaah came by along with ‘Alee when he was still recovering from an illness. Then, we had some hanging clusters of dates. The Messenger of Allaah started eating from it, and he (‘Alee) joined him. The Messenger of Allaah then said to him: “You are still recuperating, until ‘Alee stopped eating.’ I then made some barley with chard and brought it to them. The Prophet said to ‘Alee ‘Eat from this, this is more beneficial for you.’

{At-Tirmidhi and Abu Daawood}

 

 

 

Some Benefits of Chard

• decomposes and open clogs in the liver and spleen
• (Black Chard) constipates, helps against Alopecia, spots, dandruff and warts
• cures herpes when mixed with honey

For more info, see Ibn Qayyim al Jawziyyah’s book “Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet” pg. 284 – 286.

Chard has bright green ribbed leaves with stems ranging in color from white to yellow to red. It is slightly bitter – albeit tasty – and makes a great salad (my daughter even loves it). I often make myself a scrumptious medley consisting of it, Jirjeer (Rocket), Spinach and Iceberg lettuce with fixings such as shredded carrots, chickpeas, boiled eggs, cucumbers and tomatoes. Chard is a somewhat popular ingredient in Arab cuisine. Here’s an easy recipe from Suite101:

Swiss Chard Rolls

• 1/2 kilo of Swiss chard
• 1/2 cup of minced lamb
• 1 cup of rice (soaked in hot water for one hour)
• 1 teaspoon of curry
• 1 tablespoon of virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method for Preparing the Rolls

1. In a large pan of boiling water, place the leaves and leave for 30 seconds only. The leaves are very tender and should not be left long. Drain the leaves in a strainer and set aside.
2. In a bowl place the rice, lamb, curry, oil and salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
3. On top of a large colander place the leaves, one by one. Separate the leaves very gently.
4. In a medium saucepan, place thick slices of tomato on the bottom of the pan.
5. With a large cutting board or tray begin the assembly. Spread open one leaf or two small ones together and in the middle place a small amount of the rice mixture. Starting at the top of the leaf, roll down over the rice mixture, folding in both sides, as in an envelope. Roll the leaf down to the very end and set inside the pan prepared with tomatoes.
6. Keep rolling the Swiss chard until all the leaves are used up.
7. Boil some water and pour over the rolled Swiss chard leaves. Pour the water two inches above the leaves. Add in some salt, around 1 teaspoon and mix in the water. Place a lid or saucer over the leaves to hold them in place and then cover the pan with a tight lid.
8. Cook the Swiss chard leaves for 30 minutes. Check after 30 minutes to see if the rice is cooked and the leaves are tender. Drain the water off and serve on a platter with some lemon wedges.

Ingredients for Vegetarian Filling

• 1 cup of red (soaked in hot water for one hour)
• 1 tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of parsley, cilantro and mint mixed
• 1 table spoon of virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of curry
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method to Prepare the Vegetarian Rolls

1. In a blender place the tomatoes that have been cut into small pieces. Pulse the tomatoes until they are completely mixed. Pour the tomatoes in a bowl.
2. Add in the rice, oil and seasonings.
3. Chop the parsley, coriander and mint and add to the rice mixture.
4. Follow the above directions for the completion of the rolls.

Healthy Stuff – Chard is an excellent source of vitamins C, E, and K, carotenes, chlorophyll, and fiber.  It is also an excellent source of several minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron, and manganese.  Swiss chard is also a good source of many other nutrients including vitamin B6, protein, calcium, thiamine, selenium, zinc, niacin, and folic acid. Swiss chard is one of the most powerful anti-cancer foods due to to its combination of traditional nutrients; phytochemicals, chlorophyll, other plant pigments, and soluble fiber. The generous amount of vitamin K that is contained in Swiss chard, is especially beneficial in the maintenance of bone health. – {Every Nutrient.com}