When it comes to Thanksgiving, we all know the star of the show is the turkey, but let’s not overlook the importance of greens on the table! My *thanksgiving greens* are a vibrant mix of kale, spinach, and Brussels sprouts that add not just color but a burst of flavor and nutrition to your feast. I remember the first time I made these for my family’s Thanksgiving dinner. They were a bit skeptical at first, but as soon as they took a bite, the crunchy walnuts and sweet cranberries won them over! Trust me, this dish is as festive as it is healthy, and it’s a fantastic way to celebrate the season’s bounty while keeping things light and delicious. Let’s dive into this recipe together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll absolutely love these *thanksgiving greens* for so many reasons! First off, they’re a healthy side dish packed with nutrients, thanks to the kale, spinach, and Brussels sprouts. Plus, they come together in just 20 minutes—perfect for those busy holiday kitchens! The combination of crunchy walnuts and sweet dried cranberries adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast that makes every bite exciting. And since this dish showcases seasonal vegetables, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the abundance of fall. Trust me, these greens will steal the spotlight and leave your guests asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
Gather up these fresh ingredients to create your amazing *thanksgiving greens*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups kale, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for sautéing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for that aromatic kick
- 1 teaspoon salt, to enhance all the flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to add a little heat
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped for crunch
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, adding a sweet pop
Make sure your greens are fresh for the best flavor, and feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste! Now let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare *Thanksgiving Greens*
Preparing these *thanksgiving greens* is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a deliciously vibrant side dish ready in no time. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. This will help bring out all those amazing flavors!
- Once the oil is shimmering, add in the 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Now, it’s time to add the greens! Toss in the 2 cups of chopped kale, 1 cup of chopped spinach, and 1 cup of sliced Brussels sprouts. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Season your greens with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This is where you can adjust to your personal taste, so don’t hesitate to give it a little taste test!
- Next, stir in the 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts and the 1/4 cup of dried cranberries. This adds that perfect crunch and a sweet touch. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pan from the heat and serve warm. Your *thanksgiving greens* are now ready to shine on the holiday table!
Tips for Success
To make the best *thanksgiving greens*, here are a few pro tips I swear by! First, using fresh greens is key for vibrant flavor—so avoid wilting or pre-packaged options if you can. If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick! And don’t hesitate to switch up the nuts or dried fruit based on what you have—pecans or almonds work great, and you could even toss in some diced apples for a sweet twist. Lastly, if you’re making these ahead of time, just reheat them gently on the stove to keep that beautiful texture intact!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my *thanksgiving greens*, it’s great to know what you’re putting on your plate! Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided here are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and preparation methods you use. Here’s a breakdown per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These lovely greens are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a perfect addition to your holiday feast!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my *thanksgiving greens*, the options are truly endless! They pair beautifully with a juicy roasted turkey or a savory glazed ham, adding a pop of color and nutrition to your holiday plate. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try serving them alongside some creamy mashed potatoes or a hearty nut loaf. And don’t forget about the classic stuffing—those flavors together are just heavenly! For a complete meal, you can even mix in some quinoa or wild rice to create a delightful grain bowl topped with your greens. Trust me, your guests will love the combination!
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Can I make *thanksgiving greens* ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the greens in advance and simply reheat them just before serving. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give them a quick sauté on the stove to bring back that fresh flavor!
What are good substitutes for the greens?
If you can’t find kale or Brussels sprouts, don’t worry! You can easily substitute them with other hearty greens like Swiss chard or collard greens. For a milder flavor, try baby bok choy or even shredded cabbage. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly with different greens.
Can I add other ingredients to my *thanksgiving greens*?
Definitely! Feel free to customize this dish by adding seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash, sautéed mushrooms, or even some cooked chickpeas for extra protein. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility!
Are *thanksgiving greens* vegan-friendly?
Yes, these greens are completely vegan! The ingredients are all plant-based, making them a perfect side dish for everyone at your Thanksgiving table.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *thanksgiving greens* is super easy! Just let them cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for those post-holiday meals! When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, I recommend reheating them gently on the stovetop over low heat. Just add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to help revive their vibrant flavors and prevent them from drying out. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quick reheating—just be sure to cover the container to keep the moisture in!
Imprimer
Thanksgiving Greens: 5 Reasons to Love This Healthy Dish
- Temps Total: 20 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Vegan
Description
A healthy and flavorful side dish for Thanksgiving featuring seasonal greens.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup cranberries, dried
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add kale, spinach, and Brussels sprouts. Cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in walnuts and cranberries.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh greens for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 5g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving greens, healthy side dish, seasonal vegetables
