Most people have heard that leafy green vegetables have many health benefits—essential fats, vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and fiber—but who knew that greens of all types could be so delicious? Here are just four of the many creative ways to include nutritious greens in any meal.
Prep/cook time: 30 minutes Serves 4 / Rapini’s slight bitterness and the hot-pungent flavors of this southern Italian sauce make a perfect foil for pasta and beans. Prep tip: If you can’t find leafy rapini, you’ll get similar results by combining a bunch of broccolini (baby broccoli) and a bunch of Swiss chard, prepared following the same instructions. View recipe.
Prep/cook time: 33 minutes Serves 4 / Aside from its unique flavor, one advantage of using kale over spinach is that it retains much more of its original volume when cooked. In this dish, cubes of tempeh, a highly nutritious fermented soybean product, are bound to the kale with a rich red-pepper sauce. Prep tip: If you don’t care for coconut oil, use olive oil instead. View recipe.
Prep/cook time: 35 minutes Serves 8 / One way to win over leafy-green shunners, especially children, is to enfold spinach in a cheese-enriched omelet. Prep tips: Whipping the egg whites separately produces an unusually light, airy texture. For an extra taste and texture sensation, layer some slices of fresh tomato on the surface before the baking step. View recipe.
Prep/cook time: 30 minutes Serves 4 / Collard greens stewed with onion and tomato make a dramatic contrast with lightly steamed halibut. In this presentation, a touch of spicy smoked paprika adds an unusual nuance. View recipe.