(Serves 8 as a side dish or 4 as a main course)
Salt
8 large chard leaves, stems cut away at the bottom
1 C arborio rice
1 large egg yolk
1/2 C grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
2 tbsp. lemon juice
(preparation tip: remember to zest the lemon before you juice it!! – Debbie)
4 tbsp. unsalted butter
16 large sage or basil leaves
Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 tsp. salt and the chard leaves. Cook just until chard is tender, about 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, carefully transfer chard to a clean kitchen towel. Lay chard flat and blot dry. Cool completely. Add rice to pot with boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender, about 15 minutes (water will not be all absorbed). While rice is cooking, whisk egg yolk, cheese, lemon zest and juice together in a small bowl. When rice is tender, drain and return to pot. Stir in egg mixture until rice is evenly coated. Add 1 tbsp. butter, stir to melt/distribute, and add salt to taste. Cool rice mixture for several minutes. Place 1/3 C rice mixture in center of each chard leaf. Fold edges over to seal and make neat bundles. Heat remaining 3 tbsp. butter and sage (or Basil) in a large skillet over medium heat. When sage/basil leaves are lightly crisped, use a fork to transfer them to a small plate. Add chard bundles to empty pan, seam side down, and sauté, turning once, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer chard bundles to a serving platter, and garnish with fried sage/basil leaves.
Serve immediately.
From A Year in a Vegetarian Kitchen, by Jack Bishop