Creative Tips for Cooking with Greens

Eating greens is one of the best ways to boost your health and energy. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre that support your body, especially during times of change like perimenopause or post-menopause. Plus, greens are fantastic for athletes who need to recover and stay strong. But sometimes, cooking with greens can feel a bit boring or tricky. Don’t worry! I’m here to share some creative greens cooking tips that will make your meals exciting, tasty, and easy to prepare.

Simple Greens Cooking Tips to Brighten Your Meals

When you think of greens, you might picture plain boiled spinach or a dull salad. But greens are incredibly versatile. Here are some easy tips to bring out their best:

• Use fresh greens: Always choose fresh, vibrant leaves. They taste better and have more nutrients.

• Don’t overcook: Greens like kale, spinach, and chard cook quickly. Overcooking makes them mushy and dull. A quick sauté or steam keeps them bright and crisp.

• Add flavour: Use garlic, lemon juice, chilli flakes, or a splash of soy sauce to add zing.

• Mix textures: Combine soft cooked greens with crunchy nuts or seeds for a satisfying bite.

• Try different greens: Don’t stick to just one type. Experiment with kale, collard greens, mustard greens, or watercress.

  
  

These simple tips can transform your greens from boring to brilliant in no time.

Fresh kale leaves ready for cooking

What can I do with greens?

You might wonder, “What can I do with greens?” The answer is - so much! Greens can be the star of your meal or a tasty sidekick. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Greens in smoothies: Blend spinach or kale with fruits like banana and berries for a nutrient-packed breakfast.

2. Greens in soups: Add chopped greens to vegetable or chicken soups for extra colour and nutrition.

3. Greens in stir-fries: Toss greens with your favourite veggies and protein for a quick, healthy dinner.

4. Greens in wraps and sandwiches: Use large leaves like collard greens as a wrap or add watercress to sandwiches for a peppery crunch.

5. Greens in pasta dishes: Stir in sautéed spinach or rocket into pasta sauces for a fresh twist.

   
   

Try these ideas and watch how greens can fit into every meal of your day.

Mixed green salad with nuts and seeds

Creative Ways to Cook Greens

If you want to get creative, here are some fun ways to cook greens that go beyond the usual:

• Greens chips: Make kale or Swiss chard chips by tossing leaves with olive oil and baking until crispy. They are a healthy snack alternative.

• Greens pesto: Blend greens like spinach or rocket with nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan for a vibrant pesto sauce.

• Greens frittata: Add chopped greens to eggs and bake for a nutritious breakfast or light dinner.

• Greens stir-fry with ginger and sesame: Use fresh ginger and sesame oil to add an Asian twist to your greens.

• Greens stuffed in peppers or mushrooms: Mix cooked greens with quinoa or rice and stuff into vegetables for a wholesome meal.

  
  

These ideas will keep your meals interesting and packed with nutrients.

Crispy kale chips served with a dipping sauce

Tips for Storing and Preparing Greens

To get the most from your greens, proper storage and preparation are key. Here’s how to keep your greens fresh and tasty:

• Store greens in the fridge: Wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and place in a perforated plastic bag or container.

• Wash just before use: Washing greens too early can cause them to wilt faster.

• Remove tough stems: For greens like kale or collards, strip the tough stems before cooking to improve texture.

• Use a salad spinner: Drying greens well after washing helps dressings stick better and prevents sogginess.

• Chop greens uniformly: This helps them cook evenly and look more appealing on your plate.

  
  

With these tips, your greens will stay fresh longer and taste better in every dish.

Why Greens Matter for Your Health and Fitness

Greens are more than just tasty additions to your meals. They play a vital role in supporting your health, especially if you are navigating hormonal changes or training hard as an athlete. Here’s why:

• Rich in antioxidants: Greens help fight inflammation and protect your cells.

• High in fibre: They support digestion and keep you feeling full longer.

• Loaded with vitamins and minerals: Greens provide calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K.

• Support bone health: Important for women in perimenopause and post-menopause.

• Aid muscle recovery: Nutrients in greens help repair muscles after exercise.

  
  

Incorporating greens regularly into your diet is a simple way to boost your overall wellbeing.

If you want to explore more about cooking with greens, check out the resources available to help you make the most of these nutritious vegetables.

Bringing Greens into Your Daily Routine

Adding greens to your daily meals doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small and build up:

• Add a handful of spinach to your morning smoothie.

• Include a side of steamed greens with lunch or dinner.

• Snack on kale chips instead of crisps.

• Use greens as a base for your salads.

• Experiment with new recipes that feature different types of greens.

  
  

Remember, the goal is to enjoy your food and nourish your body. With these creative greens cooking tips, you’ll find it easier and more enjoyable to eat well every day.

Happy cooking and here’s to vibrant, healthy meals filled with greens!