Sauteed Organic Squash & Zucchini with Kale

Hi Everyone!

It has been a long time since I last posted a recipe, but I decided it was time to start writing again, so let's get started.

This post, I want to focus on a delicious side dish that has really become a staple for my diet - sauteed zucchini and squash with kale.

Prep Time:  15-20 minutes, Cook Time:  10-15 Minutes

What you'll need:

1-2 Organic Yellow Squash
1-2 Organic Green Zucchini
1 Small Organic Red Onion
4-6 Cloves Organic Garlic
1/8 Cup Avocado Oil (in place of Olive Oil)
Salt
Pepper

Preparation:
Peel onion and cut into 1 1/2" slices, set aside.  Peel and chop garlic cloves and set aside.  Cut zucchini and squash in half longways, then slice into 1/8" - 1/4" thick slices.  Set aside.  Wash kale and set aside.

Heat large skillet pan on medium heat.  Add 1/2 of the avocado oil until shimmering.  Add garlic and onion.  You want to "sweat and soften" the onion and garlic, not brown it, so if the pan seems to hot, turn flame down to medium-low heat.  Allow garlic and onion to soften over 5-7 minutes.  Place a pinch of salt and a few turns of the pepper grinder in with the onion and garlic as you are sweating them down.

Once onion is somewhat soft, add squash and zucchini.  Add a teaspoon or two worth of salt and several turns of the pepper grinder.  Add rest of oil and toss to ensure all vegetables are covered in oil, turn up heat back to medium and cover.  Cook for 7 minutes, making sure to toss/mix every 1-2 minutes to ensure all vegetables cook evenly.  After 7 minutes or so, remove lid and add kale.  Continue to toss and turn heat up a little bit more.  Keep covered for another 3 minutes or so, mixing every minute to ensure kale softens and mixes throughout squash/zucchini.  Take lid off and cook on high for the last 2 minutes, tossing every 20-30 seconds.  Turn off heat, take out of pan and serve or allow to cool and then place in refrigerator for another meal.  As the dish cools, you may need to drain off the excess oil/water, as it will condense as the dish cools.

It is a delicious side dish and a healthy one at that.  I love it with chicken or a Quinoa salad.  Add an oven baked sweet potato and you have got yourself a really great meal.

Well, this is the first of hopefully many posts as I return to blogging.  I hope you enjoy.  Please drop me a comment if you like it and share with all.

Until next time...

Yours in cooking,
Chris