Making the Most of Winter Greens: Recipes & Tips for Cooking with Kale, Spinach, and Swiss Chard

As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, the bounty of fresh greens might seem like it’s dwindling, but winter greens are here to save the day. Packed with nutrients, flavor, and versatility, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are staples for hearty winter meals. 

Whether you're new to cooking with greens or a seasoned pro, we’ve got recipes and tips to help you make the most of these vibrant veggies.

Why Winter Greens?

Winter greens thrive in cooler weather, which makes them sweeter and more flavorful than their summer counterparts. They're rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants, making them a fantastic choice for nourishing meals during the colder months. Best of all, they’re easy to incorporate into a variety of dishes, from soups to sautés.

How to Use Winter Greens

Winter greens each bring unique qualities to the table, making them versatile ingredients for a wide variety of dishes. Kale, for example, does best in soups, salads, and chips thanks to its hearty texture and earthy flavor. If you're enjoying it raw, give it a quick massage with olive oil and a pinch of salt to soften the leaves and enhance its natural sweetness. Store kale in a breathable bag in the fridge, where it can stay fresh for up to a week.

Spinach, on the other hand, is delicate and cooks in seconds, making it ideal for smoothies, sautés, and egg dishes. To preserve its nutrients and vibrant green color, add it to hot dishes at the very end of cooking. For optimal freshness, store spinach in a container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and prevent wilting.

Then there’s Swiss chard, a colorful and slightly sweet green that’s perfect for stir-fries, quiches, and pasta dishes. Its crunchy stems shouldn’t be overlooked—they’re excellent when sautéed before adding the tender leaves. To keep Swiss chard crisp and vibrant, wrap it in a damp paper towel and store it in a plastic bag in the fridge. 

No matter which green you choose, these tips will help you make the most of winter’s harvest.

Recipes to Warm Your Winter Table

1. Kale and White Bean Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch kale, stems removed, chopped
• 1 can white beans, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and smoked paprika, cooking until fragrant.
3. Stir in chopped kale and cook until wilted.
4. Add white beans and vegetable broth. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

2. Spinach & Feta Scramble

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 teaspoon butter or olive oil

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs and milk together in a bowl.
2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
3. Pour in eggs and stir gently. When eggs are nearly set, sprinkle feta on top.
4. Serve with whole-grain toast or a side of roasted potatoes.

3. Swiss Chard & Sweet Potato Hash

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium sweet potato, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems diced, leaves chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 fried eggs for topping

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sweet potato and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
2. Stir in onion and Swiss chard stems, cooking until softened.
3. Add Swiss chard leaves and smoked paprika, cooking until the leaves are wilted.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with fried eggs, if desired, and serve warm.

Get Cooking with Winter Greens

These recipes are just the beginning of what you can do with winter greens. Whether you're blending spinach into a smoothie, incorporating kale into your next soup or stew, or pairing Swiss chard with sweet potatoes for a hearty hash, these seasonal vegetables will add flavor and nutrition to your meals. Stop by Farmview Market today to stock up!