Kelly's Butternut Squash with Swiss Chard

I was down in San Diego teaching and stayed with my friend, Kelly, who is also the Executive Director of my school. We decided to spend most nights in and cook instead of going to so many restaurants. One of the dishes she made me was delightful. She made Butternut Squash with Swiss Chard and the flavor combination was delightful. Because we were in a bit of a hurry to make dinner, she boiled the Butternut Squash and then added in sautéed Butternut Squash and it was really delicious. The Swiss Chard cuts some of the sweetness of the Squash. I came home and promptly made it the way she told me to, where I roasted the Butternut Squash in the oven and then tossed it with the Swiss Chard that was sautéed with some red onions and garlic. It was even more delicious. Since I need the grounding from Earth vegetables like Squash, I will be making this again and again!

Kelly's Butternut Squash with Swiss Chard

1 small Butternut Squash, peeled and cut into small chunks (about 3 cups)

1 big bunch of Swiss Chard, washed and torn into small pieces (about 4 cups)

1/2 cup of chopped red onion

2 garlic cloves

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil (divided into 2 Tablespoons and 1 Tablespoon)

1/2 teaspoon of flaky Sea Salt (I used Maldon)

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Toss the Squash with 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil on a large baking sheet. Cook 15 minutes and then turn and cook an additional 15 minutes.  Remove from the oven and let cool.

In a large frying pan, heat the remaining 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil. Add in the onion and garlic and cook until the onion becomes transparent. Then put in the Swiss Chard and cook until it wilts. Add to a serving bowl and toss with the Swiss Chard and salt.  

Five Element Analysis

Butternut Squash is an Earth food, through and through. The Swiss Chard and Olive Oil bring in the Metal Element and the Red Onion and Garlic Contribute the Metal Element.  The bit of salt only barely adds the Water Element and the Fire Element is missing. So, be sure to serve this with foods from those Elements. We served it with Pork Chops for the Water Element and a Tomato Salad to bring in the Fire to create a balanced Five Element Meal.