Sweet and Sour Beets and Chard

I love that it's easy to buy already cooked Beets at the grocery store, because sometimes I just don't feel like waiting for them to cook in boiling water or in the oven. I was happy to find them and I also wanted some greens. Now, when you buy Beets fresh, they often have some Beet Greens attached, but never enough in my opinion. Chard is in the same family as Beets, so I bought a bunch to add to the Beets. First, I sautéed some Red Onion until is was lightly caramelized and then added in the Chard and then the cooked Beets. The sautéed Onions and Beets are naturally sweet, so I seasoned it all with a bit of Salt and some Rice Wine Vinegar. It was so good!

Sweet and Sour Beets and Chard

4 - 6 small cooked Beets, cut into slices (about 2 cups)

1 bunch Chard, washed, removed from the stem and cut into wide shreds

1/2 large Red Onion, sliced thin and cut into about 1-1/2 inch lengths

1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar

Heat the Oil in a frying pan. Add in the Red Onion and cook until they are lightly browned.  Add in the Chard and cook until they just start to wilt. Add in the Beets and cook, stirring often until they are hot. Sprinkle with the Salt and Rice Vinegar and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Five Element Analysis

Beets belong to both the Fire and Earth Element because they are Red and Sweet. The Chard contributes the Wood Element and the Rice Vinegar adds even more. The Onions bring in the Metal Element with a touch of Earth too. So both the Water and Metal Elements are missing. If you serve this as a side dish, be sure to add a dish or two made up of ingredients from those elements.