2purple sweet potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes (roughly)
4cupsbutternut squash, cut into 1 inch cubes (roughly)
1/2cupolive oil, divided in half, plus some for coating pan
4cod fillets, washed, dried, salted and peppered on each side
Sautéed Greens
1/2cupwhole dill weed
1Tbspminced garlic
1bunch of red chard, chopped into large pieces
1/4lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
1tsphoney
1/4tspred pepper flakes
PESTO
1cupbasil, chopped
2cupfinely chopped chives
2/3cupraw cashew pieces, softened in hot water for 5 min and drained
2TbspGreek yogurt or nondairy alternative
2tspgarlic powder, or two garlic cloves
¼cupolive oil
1/2a lemon, juiced
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine sweet potato and 1/4 cup of oil. After potatoes are evenly coated, lay flat in a single layer on a baking sheet. Add salt, pepper, a dash of coriander, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Gently mix with hands and place in oven for 10-12 minutes. Repeat these steps with the butternut, except bake a bit longer—about 20-24 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized and golden.
In a food processor, combine all pesto ingredients and puree until smooth. (Don’t forget to salt and pepper!) Begin by adding a little bit of each at a time—I tend to go heavier on the pepper for pesto!) Set aside.
In a medium skillet on medium high heat, add a splash of oil and garlic. Cook garlic until it is lightly golden, then reduce heat to medium, and add in red chard, lemon, dill, honey, and pepper flakes. Cover the pan and allow greens to reduce and wilt, about 4 minutes, then reduce heat to lowest temperature.
As the greens wilt, heat a well oiled pan on medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add in cod fillet and cook for about 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2. Remove from heat so it doesn’t overcook! Repeat for remaining cod fillets.
Serve immediately and plate by layering greens, potatoes, fillet, and pesto (which can be served on the side of the plate or directly spread on the fish).
Notes
Enjoy this elegant meal for a small dinner party, or try cutting the ingredients in half and making it for a special date night!