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    Home » Recipes » Easy Side Dishes

    Feb 3, 2023 · Modified: Feb 23, 2024 by Andrea· This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Winter Greens

    Winter greens are a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor, making them an essential addition to any meal. As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, these hearty greens provide a burst of freshness and vitality to our plates. Whether you're looking to boost your immune system, support your heart health, or simply enjoy delicious seasonal fare, winter greens have got you covered.

    4 examples of winter green recipes.

    They are called "winter greens" because they thrive in cooler weather conditions and are often harvested during the winter months when other crops may not be as readily available. This variety of winter green vegetables are hardy and resilient, able to withstand colder temperatures and even frost, which makes them perfect for growing in winter climates.

    White Bean and Kale Soup, Cumin and Lime Coleslaw, and Arugula and White Bean salad are perfect examples of delicious recipes using Winter Greens.

    Jump to:
    • Types of Winter Greens
    • How to Store Winter Greens
    • How to Cook Winter Greens
    • Winter Greens Recipes You Will Love
    • What to Serve With Winter Greens
    • 💬 Comments

    Types of Winter Greens

    Winter greens come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, each offering its own unique nutritional profile. Some popular varieties include:

    • Kale: Known for its robust flavor and sturdy texture, kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. Try adding it into this nourishing Reset Soup as a variation to spinach.
    • Spinach: With its tender leaves and mild taste, spinach is rich in iron, folate, and antioxidants.
    • Swiss Chard: Featuring colorful stems and delicate leaves, Swiss chard is loaded with vitamins A, K, and C, along with magnesium and potassium.
    • Collard Greens: These hearty greens have a slightly bitter taste and are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and fiber.
    • Mustard Greens: Spicy and peppery, mustard greens are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium.
    • Arugula: With its distinctive peppery flavor, arugula is rich in vitamins A and K, as well as calcium and magnesium.
    • Cabbage: With its crisp texture and mild flavor, cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, folate, potassium, and manganese, offering a versatile and nutritious addition to winter meals.

    To learn more about the health benefits of winter greens continue reading this article by Healthline

    How to Store Winter Greens

    One of the other benefits of winter greens are their lasting power. If stored properly winter greens will keep for several days and even weeks!

    How to store kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard

    Wash and dry the leaves. Remove the tough stems from kale and collard greens. (stems of Swiss chard only need to be trimmed). Store the leaves in the crisper drawer in the fridge wrapped in paper towel and inside a plastic bag. Or store the leaves in a large airtight container lined with paper towel. They can last one week and sometimes longer.

    How to freeze, wash, dry and prepare leaves and freeze in resealable bags for up to 6 months. You can freeze them whole or chopped.

    How to Store Cabbage and Brussels Sprouts

    Cabbage and Brussels sprouts are best stored whole. You can wash, dry and trim the ends of Brussels sprouts before storing either in a plastic bag or airtight container. I always toss in a piece of paper towel to absorb any moisture.

    Cabbage doesn't need washing. Just peel off the outer layer of leaves and store in a plastic bag in the fridge. If you use only part of the cabbage wrap the cut piece tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge. Cabbage can last up to one month and Brussels sprouts for one week.

    How to freeze - Cabbage can be frozen without blanching but will last much longer in the freezer after blanching. Cut cabbage into wedges and blanch in a large pot of boiling water for 4 minutes. Drain well and let cool and dry before freezing in resealable bags.

    Brussels sprouts can be blanched and frozen whole. Blanch large ones for 5 minutes, 4 minutes for medium-size, and 3 minutes for small. Drain well and let dry before freezing in resealable bags. Freeze laying flat in one layer so you can easily pull out the amount that you want when ready to use.

    How to Cook Winter Greens

    Winter greens can be cooked in a variety of ways to bring out their natural flavors and textures. Here are some cooking tips and techniques to try:

    • Quick blanching: Blanching winter greens in boiling water for a minute or two helps to soften their texture while preserving their nutrients and vibrant color.
    • Sauteing: Saute winter greens with garlic and olive oil for a simple and flavorful side dish that pairs well with a wide range of main courses.
    • Incorporating into soups and stews: Add chopped winter greens to soups, stews, and casseroles for an extra dose of nutrition and flavor.
    • Adding to salads: Mix chopped winter greens with other salad ingredients for a fresh and healthy salad that's perfect for lunch or as a side dish.
    • Blending into smoothies or juices: Sneak some winter greens into your morning smoothie or juice for a nutritious boost that's sure to start your day off right.

    Winter Greens Recipes You Will Love

    Braised red cabbage cooked and in a blue dish. Hand holding a spoonful of cabbage
    Braised Red Cabbage with Onions and Apple
    Braised cabbage should be a winter staple for everyone. It makes a perfect side to almost anything. It can also be frozen after cooking so make this big batch and store some for later.
    Get the recipe!
    Brussels sprouts slaw in a bowl sitting on top of a linen napkin.
    Brussels Sprouts Slaw With Bacon And Apple
    Do you know how delicious Brussels sprouts are raw? They have a milder flavor compared to cooked and make a delicious salad or addition to one.
    Get the recipe!
    greens and beans soup in a white bowl with a hand cupping one side and a spoon on the other.
    Greens and Beans Soup
    This soup is packed with nutrients and is a perfect way to get in lots of those winter greens!
    Get the recipe!
    easy fall salad in a blue ceramic bowl with a side dish of toasted pumpkin seeds.
    Fall Salad
    This salad is not only fresh and colourful but is also packed with nutrient-rich vegetables.
    Get the recipe!
    Finished lemon garlic kale on a white platter with wedges of fresh lime
    Lemon Garlic Kale
    This lemon garlic kale is a quick and easy side dish that is so delicious you won't even know it's good for you!
    Get the recipe!
    4 pieces collard green wraps cut side up showing the fillings. Dishes of fillings and collard leaves in the background.
    Collard Green Wraps
    Collard Green Wraps are perfect for a fresh, on-the-go option. Fill it with your favourite things!
    Get the recipe!
    maple bacon brussels sprouts fresh out of the oven.
    Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
    Bacon and maple syrup take these Brussels sprouts to the next level. A simple and delicious side dish that is so addictive you might just want to have them as a meal on their own!
    Get the recipe!
    finished cabbage steaks on an oval serving platter topped with bacon and cheese.
    Roasted Cabbage with Bacon and Balsamic
    The humble cabbage gets dressed up by roasting thick sliced in the oven with crispy bacon and parmesan cheese. It's hearty enough to be an entire meal on its own.
    Get the recipe!
    creamy brussels sprouts in a cast iron pan with a wooden serving spoon.
    Creamy Brussels Sprouts
    This is the perfect Brussels sprouts recipe to choose when trying to convert the "haters". It's so delicious and comforting no one can resist!
    Get the recipe!
    bowl of bean sausage and arugula soup in blue bowl with parmesan crostini.
    White Bean and Sausage Soup
    This soup recipe is one of my most popular and is delicious made with any leafy green you choose!
    Get the recipe!
    kale salad garnished with parmesan cheese with a dish of sunflower seeds on the side.
    Kale and Avocado Caesar Salad
    A delicious twist on a Caesar salad that also uses an egg-free dressing. This recipe also includes instructions for making kale chips whichadd texture to this salad ando make a great snack!
    Get the recipe!
    cabbage roll soup in white bowl topped with sour cream and fresh parsley
    Cabbage Roll Soup
    All the flavours of comforting cabbage rolls turned into an easy to make soup!
    Get the recipe!

    What to Serve With Winter Greens

    • four baked chicken thighs in square blue dish being held with kitchen towel
      Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
    • grilled salmon fillets on a white plate with a side of sauce.
      Simple Grilled Salmon with Spice Rub
    • spaghetti squash in a baking dish with one portion on a side plate with a fork.
      Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
    • pork medallions in creamy mushroom sauce in pan with spoon
      Pork Medallions In Creamy Mushroom Sauce

    Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and/or a comment below. You can also follow me on social media here on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

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    More Easy Side Dishes

    • Green giant cauliflower restaurant side and Parmesan green beans restaurant side in their packages and cooked in dishes.
      Green Giant Restaurant Sides
    • beet and goat cheese salad on a bid of greens.
      Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
    • creamy brussels sprouts in a cast iron pan with a wooden serving spoon.
      Creamy Brussels Sprouts
    • easy fall salad in a blue ceramic bowl with a side dish of toasted pumpkin seeds.
      Easy Fall Salad

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    Andrea from My Pocket Kitchen

    Hello and welcome to My Pocket Kitchen! I'm Andrea, a professionally trained Chef & Pastry Chef . Here you will find easy, step by step recipes that are packed with wholesome, nutrient rich ingredients. Hope you have fun! Read More…

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