Simple, flavour-packed ideas with kale, cavolo nero, spinach and leeks.
The clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in, and there’s a definite chill in the air - which can only mean one thing: it’s time for cosy nights and comforting, home-cooked food. As we head towards Christmas, many of us are watching our spending a little more closely, so finding simple, satisfying recipes that make the most of what’s in the fridge feels especially appealing.
That’s where greens like kale, cavolo nero, spinach and leeks really shine. Packed with goodness, full of flavour and endlessly versatile, they’re the quiet heroes of the kitchen - helping turn everyday ingredients into dishes that feel nourishing, hearty and just a bit special.
From easy traybakes and rich soups to smoothies and stuffed jackets, Discover Great Veg has plenty of ideas to keep meals exciting through the colder months. Here are a few of our favourite ways to make these seasonal greens go further and taste even better.
6 Easy Ways to Make Your Greens Go Further
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, these simple ideas show how a handful of greens can stretch further, add flavour and bring a little extra goodness to your meals.
1. Load up your jackets
Take the humble baked potato to new heights with Cheesy Cavolo Nero Stuffed Jackets. Melted cheese and cavolo nero come together for a rich, comforting dish that’s full of flavour and fibre. Cavolo nero is a great source of vitamins A and C to help support your immune system – plus its and a good source of lutein, known for its benefits to eye health.
2. Make the most of leftovers
Got a few stray veg in the fridge? Why not turn them into a Hearty Kale Soup? This quick, budget-friendly recipe makes the most of what’s already on hand, with kale adding vibrant colour, fresh flavour and a natural boost of vitamin K, calcium and iron. It’s simple to make, freezes well, and is ideal for batch cooking so you’ve got an easy, nourishing meal ready for another day.
3. Reinvent your fish supper
Crispy, golden and packed with goodness, the Smoked Haddock, Potato and Leek Fish Cakes prove that simple ingredients can deliver restaurant-worthy flavour. Perfect for batch cooking - just make a double batch and freeze extras for quick, protein-packed dinners whenever you need them.
4. Start your day green
Bright, fresh and zingy, the Two Greens Smoothie blends kale and spinach with apple and lime for a refreshing start to the day. Spinach is naturally rich in folate and a source of vitamin A, which promotes clear, healthy skin and vision, and kale add (look at what I said in the social plan) - the perfect morning pick-me-up.
5. Go green at lunch
Fast, fresh and full of flavour, the Kale Omelette makes a tasty lunch or light supper that’s both quick and affordable. Using just six ingredients and ready in around 10 minutes, it’s an easy way to enjoy one of your five-a-day, with kale adding colour and freshness to this simple classic.
6. Feed the family
When its cold outside, nothing beats a hearty traybake. This Sausage, Leek & Potato Traybake is an easy crowd-pleaser – a great way to use up leftover vegetables and create a wholesome fuss-free dinner . Leeks add sweetness to the dish whilst providing vitamin C for healthy bones, teeth and skin, and natural prebiotic fibre for gut health, it’s comfort food that does you good..
Got your own favourite way to use up greens? We’d love to see it! Share your creations with us on social tagging @discovergreatveg and join our community of home cooks making veg the hero of the kitchen.