Delicious, Nutritious Ways to Elevate Your Christmas Cooking
As December rolls in, so does that unmistakable festive buzz, twinkling lights, cosy evenings, and the mouthwatering scent of something delicious roasting in the oven. Christmas is a time for indulgence, of course, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to bring extra colour, freshness and vibrancy to your table. And that’s where four seasonal heroes step in: kale, cavolo nero, spinach and leeks.
Our nutrient-packed veg are incredibly versatile, easy to cook with, and bursting with flavour. Whether you’re elevating the centrepiece, brightening up your sides or sneaking some goodness into sweet treats, Discover Great Veg has plenty of inspiration to help you bring a little extra magic to your celebrations.
Below are some of our favourite ways to let these fantastic vegetables shine this Christmas.
⭐ Reimagine the Classics
Festive Fruity Cavolo Nero Stuffing
A Christmas roast isn’t complete without a standout stuffing. This version blends sweet, dried fruit with earthy cavolo nero to create a rich and comforting side that pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken or pork. It’s full of flavour, festive colour and an effortless way to add extra veg to your plate, without straying from tradition.
Light, elegant and golden on top, this layered potato bake is a lovely alternative to a heavier dauphinoise. The leeks bring a gentle sweetness and natural prebiotic fibre supporting good gut health, which is always welcome during a season of feasting.
🍽️ Elevate the Centrepiece
Spiced Gammon with Citrus Cavolo Nero Sauce
Sweet, spiced gammon meets its perfect match in a bright and zingy cavolo nero sauce. Fresh citrus lifts the whole dish, while cavolo nero brings a source of vitamins K, A and C. Surprisingly simple to prepare yet impressive on the table, this is one festive showstopper.
Slow-Roasted Pork with Braised Leeks & Kale
Comforting, succulent and made for slow cooking, this dish is a dream for Christmas Eve or Boxing Day. The leeks and kale soak up all those gorgeous meat juices while adding colour, texture and essential nutrients. With kale naturally rich in vitamins K, A and C, as well as fibre and key minerals, your centrepiece gets a deliciously nutritious upgrade.
🎄 Add Festive Flair to Sides
Stir-Fried Cavolo Nero with Pancetta & Peppers
Need a quick, vibrant side to balance out the richer elements of your Christmas plate? This stir-fry delivers savoury depth from cavolo nero, crisp indulgence from pancetta and festive colour from peppers.
🍫 Finish with Something Unexpected
Chocolate Cavolo Nero Brownies
Yes, brownies with cavolo nero! These fudgy, rich treats blend the greens into the batter for added moisture, fibre and a subtle earthiness that makes the chocolate even more intense. They’re guaranteed to get people talking (and going back for seconds).
Got your own festive favourites? 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 Christmas.