5 Ways With Greens! We love them raw, but they're so versatile and once the seasonal produce rolls in, we can't use them fast enough! Here are 5 favorite ways to use them!
There are many ways to cook your favorite green vegetables; you can keep many of them raw like in salads. Many people seek ways to incorporate more green vegetables in their diet, whether vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore, because of the benefits that come with eating them. Green vegetables pair well with many dishes and can be served as the main course of a meal. Some examples of green vegetables include (but not limited to) spinach, arugula, watercress, Swiss chard, mustard greens, lettuce, cabbage, bok choy, collard greens, endives, microgreens, and broccoli.
What's So Great About Green Veggies?
Green vegetables are usually high in fiber, vitamins (e.g. A, C, K, etc.), magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium. Green vegetables can help with overall health, as well as specifics like aiding heart health, potentially fighting cancers, may help slow the aging process, create glowing skin, assist in fighting diabetes, and so much more. To help you with your meal prepping and recipe needs, we have put together a list of 5 ways of cooking some greens for you and your family to enjoy. We have plenty more available throughout the website!
Sautéed Greens
Sautéing is a method of lightly cooking on a hot pan with a small amount of fat, usually from oil or butter, and tossing back and forth in order to evenly brown the surface. The word sautée originates from the French, meaning ‘jump.’ This dry-heat cooking method is used for thinner cuts of meats, fish, and vegetables. Since it does not cook intensely throughout the food, it is a great way to retain more nutrients than other cooking methods.
Vegan Mushroom Quinoa Breakfast Hash
This Vegan Mushroom Quinoa Breakfast Hash is a high-protein recipe that replaces traditional eggs with a complete protein, quinoa. Quick to make and gluten-free.
(Carbs: 29g - Protein: 7g - Fat: 6g)
Spinach Artichoke Dip
This Paleo-friendly spinach dip is rich and filling, perfect for curbing midday hunger without any gluten. Nutritional yeast adds cheesy flavor without the lactose of regular dairy cheese.
(Carbs: 8g - Protein: 3g - Fat: 25g)
Baking with Greens
Baking is a dry-heat cooking method that usually incorporates putting items into an oven to cook. Many dishes that are baked are associated with bakery products such as bread, pastries, muffins, cookies, and turkeys. However, many dishes outside of these can be cooked with the baking method.
Watercress Leek Butternut Squash Quiche
This autumn quiche comes complete with a gluten-free buttery crust. The crust is filled with sautéed watercress, leeks, and butternut squash before baking adding a hefty dose of vitamin C. Serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner for a protein-packed meal.
(Carbs: 30g - Protein: 15g - Fat: 23g)
Boiling
Boiling is a method of cooking that submerges the food in water at the boiling point which is around 212°F (~100°C) and cooks until the food is thoroughly cooked. Slow boiling is when the boiling water is moving with small bubbles, while a full boil is when the water is moving quickly with larger full rolling bubbles.
Boiled Leafy Greens
Boiled greens, or horta vrasta (HOR-tah vrah-STAH), are a staple in any Greek household. They are easy to prepare, and when dressed with a bit of olive oil and lemon, you will really enjoy the clean, pure taste.
(Carbs: 19g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 8g)
Steaming
Steaming is a method of cooking where water is boiled and the steam vapors released are what cook the food held over the boiling water. The steam cooks the food thoroughly and leaves it moist. An easy method of steaming includes filling a pot with water, setting it to boil, with a steam basket resting on top, and putting the food to be steamed into the basket over the boiling water. Steaming is also a great way of preserving more of the health benefits of cooked food. There are steaming devices for kitchens for home and commercial use.
Vegan Broccoli Arugula Pesto Pasta
Pasta of your choice is dressed with a quick homemade arugula pesto and tossed with zucchini, green peas, and broccoli. This vegan pasta dish tastes great chilled or hot.
(Carbs: 62g - Protein: 28g - Fat: 34g)
Fry
Frying is traditionally a cooking method that immerses the food in hot fat or oil. With modern technological advancements, the same outcome of crisping the food can be accomplished without the use of fat or oils, but instead with an air fryer. Air fryers circulate air rapidly around the food producing a crispiness while saving calories.
Air Fryer Spinach Chips
If you love spinach, you’re going to go crazy for these air-fried spinach chips! They are the perfect healthy snack that is both delicious and guilt-free. Plus, they’re really easy to make – you only need a few minutes and an air fryer!
(Carbs: 1g - Protein: 1g - Fat: 1g)
