Wilted Chard With Pickled Red Onions

Preparation

1. Step 1

   For the onions: bring a kettle of water to a boil. Place onion slices in a colander, and pour boiling water over. In a bowl, combine remaining ingredients, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add onions, submerging them by placing a plate on top; if more liquid is needed, add equal amounts of vinegar and water. After about 15 minutes, onions will turn bright pink. (Recipe can be made to this point and refrigerated for up to 3 days.)

2. Step 2

   For chard: bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut stems off chard, and set aside; slice leaves across into wide ribbons. Working in batches if necessary, boil leaves until tender but not mushy, 3 to 7 minutes. Boil stems separately. Drain in colander.

3. Step 3

   To cook, heat oil in a wide skillet. Add garlic cloves and chard leaves and stems, and heat through, turning to coat evenly with oil. When hot, transfer to a serving dish, and top with some pickled onions, garnishing with peppercorns. Pass more onions at table.