About a month before Thanksgiving, my family and I go through the list of side dishes that will be divvied up among us cooks who will contribute to the most important eating meal of the year.

While we do our best to lean on this side of healthy, you know how Thanksgiving goes: grandma’s outdated stuffing recipe must be included (it’s tradition!), or the sweet potato casserole with marshmallows that all the kids love has to be there.

I had to insist that something nutritious and delicious make the menu, and this side dish fits the bill perfectly. Kale and butternut squash, the powerhouse stars of this dish are low in calories, full of healthy fiber, calcium and other anti-inflammatory nutrients.

The spices and the dried cherries give this side dish a warm, cozy feeling that are not only so good for you but make it an official holiday dish.

Enjoy your holiday and feel so good about making this dish at your next meal!

Sautéed Kale with Roasted Butternut Squash and Dried Cherries

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
4 cups diced butternut squash, from 1 medium squash
2 bunches kale, stems removed, chopped coarsely and rinsed
2 medium shallots, minced
2 medium cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1/2 cup dried unsweetened cherries

Directions

1. Heat your oven to 400 degrees F. Mix the allspice, coriander, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the squash with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the spices. Roast, stirring once about halfway through, until browned and tender, about 20 minutes.

2. Heat the remaining olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, until just tender, about 2 minutes.

3. Add the kale and cook, stirring occasionally, until the kale is wilted. Reduce the heat, add the squash, cover, and cook until the squash is heated through, about 5 minutes. Add the dried cherries and stir gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper if needed and serve hot.

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