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Cheese & Walnut Greens

A Winter Garden Gratin Full of Bold, Nutty Comfort
 

There’s something deeply satisfying about taking the often-overlooked vegetables of winter—leeks, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts—and turning them into the stars of the table. This dish is creamy, nutty, and laced with the gentle bite of blue cheese. It’s the kind of side (or main) that makes the whole kitchen smell like comfort and care.

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Born out of the winter allotment basket, it’s a celebration of hearty greens and bold flavours—perfect alongside a roast, or on its own with a hunk of bread by the fire.

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INGREDIENTS - serves 6

  • 300g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

  • 200g Savoy cabbage, finely shredded

  • 2 medium leeks, washed and sliced into rounds

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or a knob of butter

  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

  • 150ml double cream

  • 100ml whole milk

  • 100g blue cheese (such as Stilton or Dolcelatte), crumbled

  • 50g walnuts, roughly chopped

  • Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

  • Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste​

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HOW TO

  • Preheat & prepare – Heat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. Lightly butter a medium baking dish.

  • Sauté the veg – In a large frying pan, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Add the leeks and garlic and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.

  • Blanch the greens – While the leeks soften, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Blanch the Brussels sprouts for 3–4 minutes, then add the shredded cabbage for a final minute. Drain well and gently pat dry.

  • Combine & bake – Add the drained greens to the pan with the leeks. Pour in the cream and milk, and stir through most of the blue cheese and walnuts (save a bit for the top). Season well with salt and black pepper.

  • Bake until golden – Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish, top with remaining cheese and walnuts. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden at the edges.

  • Serve warm – Sprinkle with fresh thyme if you have some to hand, and serve piping hot. It pairs beautifully with roast meats or crusty bread and a green salad

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Nutritional Advice (per serving, approx.):

  • Calories: ~310 kcal

  • Protein: 9g

  • Carbohydrates: 11g

  • Fat: 26g (from cream, cheese, and walnuts)

  • Fibre: 4–5g

  • Calcium & Vitamin K: A lovely dose, thanks to leafy greens and cheese

  • Omega-3s: Walnuts bring a small but helpful boost

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This dish is rich, so smaller portions go a long way. But it’s packed with fiber and plant-based goodness too, and a great way to make strong winter vegetables feel indulgent. You can always lighten it with crème fraîche or swap in plant-based cream and cheese if needed.

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