Dolma Style Chicken And Swiss Chard Spring Moussaka

1. 1

   Wash the chard thoroughly. Cut off the stems. Discard the steams or reserve for a different use. With a vegetable peeler or sharp knife, carefully shave off the thickest part of the vein in the middle of the leaf (but do not remove it completely). Set aside.

2. 2

   In a medium pan, over medium heat, heat four tablespoons of oil until it is hot but not smoking. Add the meat and brown it gently for a couple of minutes. The meat will release a lot of juices -- do not let the juices evaporate completely. Transfer the meat and the juices to a bowl.

3. 3

   Heat the remaining oil. Add the onions and saute until soft, for a couple of minutes. Add the garlic, and saute for about a minute or two, until garlic becomes fragrant. Add the shallots and saute for another two minutes, until the shallots begin to soften. Remove the pan from the heat and add the meat with its juices, raisins, pine nuts, herbs de Provance, lemon juice, cumin and oregano. Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste, and if you feel like adding more spices, go for it. Set aside.

4. 4

   Oil a 10x12-inch baking pan, Dutch oven or casserole generously with olive oil.

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 365F convection (390F regular bake).

6. 6

   Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Reduce the heat until water is at simmer. Line a work surface or a chopping board with kitchen towel. Place about three or so chard leaves into the simmering water and blanch for about a minute, until the leaves begin to soften. Using kitchen tongs, take the leaves out of the water, and place them on the towel to dry. Transfer the leaves to the baking pan. Repeat the process until the bottom of the pan is completely covered in chard leaves. Then repeat the entire process again, until you have two layers of leaves. Now take a couple of tablespoons of meat and spread on top of the leaves. Repeat the process, two layers or leaves, a layer of meat, until you have nothing left and your moussaka is topped with two layers of Swiss chard.

7. 7

   Cover the baking pan tightly with a foil, and place in the oven. Bake for about 45 minutes. Take the moussaka out, uncover, and gently oil the top surface. Cover with the foil again, and bake for another 15 minutes. Take the moussaka out, remove the foil and place the pan back in the oven for another ten or so minutes, or until the top layer is caramelized and crispy. Remove the pan from the oven and let the moussaka cool down. Serve gently warm with yogurt and a slice of lemon on the side.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.