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1
Cut the ribs out of the Swiss chard and set aside.
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2
Roll the leaves into a bundle and coarsely chop into 1-inch ribbons.
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3
Put the chopped leaves in a colander and rinse well.
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4
Set aside to drain.
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5
Cut the ribs crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces.
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6
Put a large pot over high heat and coat with the oil.
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7
Add the onion and season with salt and pepper.
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8
Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the onion is golden brown and caramelized, about 8 minutes.
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9
Add the chard ribs and continue to cook until soft, about 4 minutes.
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10
Add the garlic, give it a stir, and cook for a minute until fragrant.
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11
Toss in the chard leaves.
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12
Turn the leaves over until the chard wilts, releases its moisture, and cooks down, roughly 3 minutes.
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13
Season again with salt and pepper.
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14
Put the bread cubes in a large bowl and dump the Swiss chard mixture on top.
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15
Preheat the oven to 325F.
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16
Butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
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17
Also butter the dull side of a piece of foil large enough to cover the dish.
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18
Return the pot (no need to clean it) to medium heat and pour in the stock and cream.
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19
While they are heating, whisk the egg yolks in a stainless steel bowl until they increase slightly in volume.
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20
Gradually whisk the hot stock mixture into the yolks (do not add it too quickly or the eggs will scramble).
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21
Pour the mixture over the bread and chard.
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22
Add the Fontina, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
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23
Pour the bread mixture into the buttered dish and spread evenly.
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24
Sprinkle the Parmesan evenly on top.
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25
Cover the baking dish tightly with the foil, buttered side down.
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26
Fill a roasting pan with 1/2 inch of water.
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27
Carefully place the baking dish in the water bath and put in the oven.
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28
Bake until the center jiggles slightly when you shake the dish, about 1 hour.
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29
Remove the panade from the oven and water bath and remove the foil.
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30
Switch the oven to broil.
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31
Stick the panade under the broiler for 3 minutes to brown the cheese.
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32
To serve, scoop the panade out with a spoon.