How to Coax Someone into Eating Winter Greens?

Most of us don't like the idea of winter vegetables making way to our diets, and even to our homes. Mainly and simply because they don’t taste all that good. For that, I (and your moms) have only one thing to counter that – that they are nutritious and cause loads of good to your body and overall health. But, like many, ‘nutrition trumps taste’ may not be your credo. However, there are ways to get around their unsavoury nature. We’ll tell you the top winter greens and the delicious ways you can have them. And, also we list their unique nutritional benefits. Reading those, you might finally accept them for what they are and welcome them in your diets. Here, they are…

I. Cabbage

These super-healthy winter greens look cute with their spherical-ish shape. But, don’t take them lightly. They're pro in bolstering your health and are practically non-substitutable. A very close cousin to kale and cauliflower, cabbage is equally loaded with nutrients and minerals like them, if not more. Also, it is best eaten raw and the good thing is that it also tastes nice that way! It Contains… Potassium: This is a godsend for all the (possible) heart patients. It regulates your blood pressure and thus prevents strokes and heart diseases. Vitamin D: Along with vitamin A, it makes skin healthy and clear. Amazing, isn’t it? Vitamin E: It purifies skin and improves complexion. *.* Vitamin B6: This is often absent from most vegetarian diets. So if you’re a strict vegan, here’s your chance to have this unwonted vitamin. Among many other benefits, it excellently treats and prevents anaemia.

It also contains vitamin A, C, K, and dietary fibre.

Dig in… Cabbage Fried Rice: Fried cabbage alone is not the idea of a dish for many. So, how about accompanying it with fried rice? The aroma and bit of sweet flavour introduced by the cabbage to rice show one of the tastiest routes to health. Cabbage Paratha: Whether it's breakfast, brunch, or lunch, parathas stuffed with spicy cabbage fillings are never a disappointment. Cabbage Vada: This is a one-of-a-kind meeting of chopped cabbage with ground lentils. Level up the delicious quotient with tomato ketchup.

II. Mustard Greens

Of course, Sarson da Saag with makke ki roti has to make on our list. Otherwise, what kind of list it would be! And guess what, this leafy veggie helps you in losing weight, too. So, you can savour up as much as you want without having guilt settle on you. It Contains… High Levels of Antioxidants – These go way down to the genes anatomy. Antioxidants prevent DNA mutation and cell damage - Vitamin A – For all those who hate to put on glasses, better stay loyal to this veggies this season. Vitamin A, other than promoting healthy vision, also maintains healthy skin and neurological function. Phytonutrients – Other than preventing diseases, they lower the risk of cancer and heart diseases as well. They also slow down the ageing of the brain. It prevents heart diseases and obesity, too. Need more motivation?

It also contains vitamin C, K, carotenes, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

Dig in... No, we won't even try to convince you there is any other way to have this wintergreen other than as a saag... with MaKke Ki RoTiii. Enhance the flavour with a piece of jaggery, white butter and a mix of spices.

III. Spinach

Recognised as a superfood, this vegetable is a powerhouse of all things good. And, while other green leafy vegetables take the heat for being bitter and distasteful, this one is actually liked a lot by people. It also takes care of your skin beauty. What more do you want from a tasty wintergreen which is also a beauty enhancer? Well, you might not, but the benevolent spinach gives you ton loads of other benefits as well. Read on. It Contains… Beta-Carotene: Firstly, it preserves digestive health, something which gets disturbed due to natural over-indulging in foods in winters. Plus, it also aids in the process of body detoxification by reducing the inflammation. Antioxidants: This will be loved by the students and/or nerds. The antioxidants content reduces the oxidative stress which is linked with the decline of cognition. It also has brain anti-ageing properties. It even reverses the damage done to the brain's cerebral cortex due to a stroke. Magnesium: Most people have diets which lack in this nutrient. It significantly contributes towards cellular health. And, moreover, if you lack in this nutrient, your sodium, calcium, and potassium content in the body won't be performing at their best. Moral? Love your spinach and it will love you back.

It also contains phytonutrients, iron, manganese, vitamins A, C and K.

Dig in… Spinach and Feta Crepes: Deliciousness and nutrition do go hand in hand together. This nutrition power packed wraps taste best with yoghurt. Kashmiri Palak Aur Malai Paneer Tikka: The goodness of spinach here meets, or rather sandwiched, between cream cheese, spices, and, paneer. Your dinner appetisers just cannot be more nutritional than this. Pasta in Spinach Sauce: Get wheat pasta dripped in spinach sauce. And, serve with parmesan cheese and walnuts. The Indian Delicacies: And, yes, of course, the desi way of having palak. Dal-palak, aloo-palak, spinach rice, palak ka saag, palak paratha, and palak-paneer are something we are all familiar with, fondly so.

IV. Broccoli

Come winters, comes the broccoli, in overwhelming amounts. This wintergreen is quintessential for fighting the by-products of chilling winters, like cold and influenza. It Contains… Vitamin K – This vitamin is central to stop the bleeding in all those excruciating winter injuries. Together with protein, it helps in forming the blood clot. Vitamin C – Good for bones and overall immunity, you just can’t pass on the C-goodness. It is a powerful antioxidant and provides protection against the damaging free-radicals. It is also helpful in building collagen that forms bones and body tissues. Fiber – This promotes digestion and a healthy bowel movement. Moreover, it is also very helpful in lowering cholesterol levels. In simple language, it means, eats on, and on (healthy, of course). You’ve got covered. Folate – It rules the department of maintenance and production of new cells. Potassium – This mineral is fundamental for heart contractions and the functioning of nerves. See the importance?

It also provides magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, and B6.

Dig in... 1. Roasted Broccoli: Don't like them? Then roast them. Heat broccoli pieces at 450 degrees and add a bit of salt. You'll treat yourself to a delicious creamy nutty flavour. Thank us later. 2. Broccoli Soup: Bring the French twist to your broccoli. Broccoli soup is already delicious and with hints of wasabi, it is heavenly good. 3. Broccoli Salad: There always lies a danger of destroying all the nutrients of this green vegetable by overcooking. So, stick to nature's way and consume it raw in the salad form. Toss the florets of broccoli with carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a savoury meal. 4. Chappati with Broccoli: This must have been our lunch at school at some point or another. You can spice things up with tamarind, curry leaves, masalas and of course the generous use of ghee in the cooking. 5. Broccoli Pasta: Broccoli pasta is the way to go to have broccoli deliriously. Add oodles of chilli, cheese and pasta. It'll get ready very soon as well.

V. Lamb's Quarters

Don’t recognise it? It is also called Bathua. Rang any bells now? Most people swear by its multi-nutritional benefits. It takes care of your skin in the harsh winters as well as purifies the blood. It Contains Amino Acids: Together with proteins, they repair body tissues, and break down food. Iron: Having this vegetable is your way out to get rid of those pale, iron-deficient looks. It increases the haemoglobin count and increases the immunity. Dietary Fiber: It is must for all those who suffer from frequent constipation.

It also contains phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamin A, C, and magnesium.

Dig in… Bathua ka Saag: Although not as delicious as the Sarson ka Saag, its power on our taste buds (and health) are not to be undermined. It’s grand enough to serve at the events of festivals, kitty parties and feasts. Bathua Parantha: Have a green parantha by stuffing your wheat bread with bathua leaves. Liking the winter greens any better? Which green veggie here has the best chance to be included in your food now? And, do you happen to have an interesting recipe for the above-mentioned vegetables? Do share with us. More articles on Vegetables and Vegetarian food: