4 Creative Ways To Cook Kale & Zucchini

Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Kale Zucchini

Seeking fresh and inventive ways to serve up greens and garden favorites, we turned to culinary enthusiasts from various fields for their unique takes. From a hearty kale and white bean stew to creative zucchini roll-ups, discover the top four creative tips offered by a Writer and a Head of Marketing on cooking kale or zucchini.

Hearty Kale and White Bean Stew
One of my favorite ways to cook kale is by making a savory kale and white bean stew. It’s a hearty and nutritious dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in or as a wholesome meal prep option for busy weekdays. Here’s how I make it:

Ingredients:
1 bunch of kale, with stems removed and leaves chopped
1 can (15 oz) white beans, like cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:
In a large pot, I heat olive oil over medium heat. Then, I add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Next, I add the chopped kale to the pot and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Then, I stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), white beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. I bring the mixture to a simmer and let the stew simmer for 15–20 minutes until the kale is tender and the flavors meld together. Finally, I adjust the seasoning and serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese or a balsamic glaze.
- Jennifer Silver, Dentist and Clinic Owner, Macleod Trail Dental


Colorful Stir-Fry with Kale or Zucchini
One creative tip for cooking either kale or zucchini is to use them as the base for a colorful and flavorful stir-fry.

For kale: Tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces and sauté them with garlic, ginger, and your favorite stir-fry sauce. Add in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

For zucchini: Slice the zucchini into thin rounds or matchsticks and stir-fry them with onions, cherry tomatoes, and herbs like
basil or thyme. You can also add protein like tofu or shrimp for a complete meal.

Both kale and zucchini cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce and other ingredients, making them versatile options for a delicious and nutritious stir-fry dish. - Diana Royanto, Writer, Milkwhale


Kale Chips and Zucchini Noodles
For a delicious kale side dish, try making kale chips. Toss kale leaves with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake at 350°F until crispy. This healthy, crunchy snack is a hit at any meal. For zucchini, a creative approach is to spiralize it into noodles and sauté with garlic, olive oil, and cherry tomatoes for a light and refreshing pasta alternative. Both methods are simple and elevate these vegetables to tasty new heights. - Alex Taylor, Head of Marketing, CrownTV


Creative Zucchini Roll-Ups
Zucchini roll-ups offer a creative twist on traditional stuffed vegetables, providing a flavorful and visually appealing dish that can be enjoyed as a side or even as a standalone meal. To create zucchini roll-ups, start by thinly slicing zucchini lengthwise using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Lightly grill or roast the slices until they become pliable. Meanwhile, prepare a filling of your choice; popular options include a mixture of herbed ricotta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, or a blend of hummus, roasted red peppers, and olives. Spread the filling onto each zucchini slice, then carefully roll them up and secure with a toothpick if needed.

As a side dish, zucchini roll-ups can accompany a variety of main courses, adding a vibrant touch to the plate. They pair really well with grilled meats such as chicken or steak, offering a refreshing contrast to richer flavors.
They can also serve as an elegant appetizer or complement a vegetarian spread. When served as a standalone meal, zucchini roll-ups become the star attraction, particularly when filled with hearty ingredients like quinoa, roasted vegetables, and feta cheese. This versatility makes zucchini roll-ups a creative and adaptable option for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering. - Daisy Cabral, Dynamic CEO, Bella All Natural