Creamed Chard and Spring Onion Pasta

Spring is here and this means lots of leafy greens!  Here's another one of those recipes that I made using my Cedarmore Farm CSA from last year but am just now getting around to sharing.  You can either make it as a sauce for pasta (per directions below) or as a side dish (see the original recipe at Smitten Kitchen).  It's very simple and perfect for busy days and/or meatless Mondays.

One Year Ago: Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake
Two Years Ago: Blonde Brownies


Creamed Chard and Spring Onions

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound pasta, cooked
• 1 1-pound bunch Swiss chard, thick stems removed and leaves sliced into ribbons
• 3 spring onions, ends trimmed, white and some green parts sliced into thin coins
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Wash your chard, but no need to dry it, just place it in a large pot over high heat. Cook, covered, with just the water clinging to leaves, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 6 minutes.
2. Press or squeeze out the excess liquid any number of ways, either by wringing it out in cheesecloth (my favorite method), putting it in a mesh strainer and pressing the moisture out with a spatula or large spoon or letting it cool long enough to grab small handfuls and squeezing them to remove as much water as possible.
3. Wipe out the large pot so you can use it again. Heat milk or cream in a small saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until warm. Keep warm. Meanwhile, cook onion and garlic, if using, in butter in your wiped-out large pot over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about six minutes. Whisk in flour and cook roux, whisking, about three minutes. Add warm milk or cream in a slow stream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and simmer, whisking, until thickened, three to four minutes. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted.  Stir in chard, then salt and pepper to taste and cook, stirring, until heated through.  Serve over hot pasta.

Source: Smitten Kitchen