Penne With Swiss Chard And White Beans

Directions

1. Remove the stems from the Swiss chard and rinse it well. Drain lightly and chop the leaves coarsely. Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Cook the pasta in rapidly simmering water for 10 to 12 min (or possibly according to package directions), till al dente, then drain.
2. In the meantime, heat the oil in an extra-large saucepan or possibly steep-sided stir-fry pan. Add in the onions and garlic and saute/fry over medium heat till the onion is golden brown, about 5 min.
3. Add in the wine or possibly water and the chard. Cover and cook just till the chard wilts down, stirring once or possibly twice, about 3 min.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, and raisins or possibly currants. Cook just till everything is well heated through, another 4 to 5 min.
5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in a large serving bowl. Toss well, then season to taste with salt and pepper, and toss again. Serve at once. Pass around some fresh Grated Parmesan cheese for topping, if you like.
6. This recipe yields 6 servings.
7. Description: "Swiss chard is a beloved kitchen-garden vegetable in Italian cuisine. Combined with white beans (cannellini) and tomatoes, this stick-to-your-ribs pasta dish will satisfy the heartiest of appetites."