In the realm of dairy-free Thanksgiving dishes, we’d hazard a guess that creamed greens are hardly top-of-mind. But by simply swapping the cream in this traditional side dish with coconut milk, integrative chef Blaine Arin Tacker makes this recipe a win for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Speaking of wins, the nutrients found in leafy greens alone render this dish a must-have for your Thanksgiving plate. Let’s say you opt for kale, for example: If you manage to get a full serving size (that is, 1 cup of pre-cooked kale), you’ll get more than your recommended daily value of vitamin A, and vitamin K. And while you’ll find a similar nutritional profile in collard greens, they take the edge for protein, iron, and calcium.*

Need we say more? Find integrative chef Blaine Arin Tacker’s can’t-miss take on creamed greens below.

Creamed Coconut Greens

Serves 5

Ingredients

• 2 lb. kale (or other hardy greens such as collards or mustard greens)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 large shallots, finely chopped
• 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1” ginger root, peeled, and thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup low-sodium broth (vegetable or chicken)
• 1 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• Toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Remove tough bottom stem from kale. Cut leaves into strips.
2. Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium. Cook garlic and ginger until they just barely start to turn golden, about 1 minute (have the following ingredients ready to go in, or they will burn!).
3. Add shallot, red chili pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook while stirring, until shallot is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add turmeric and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds to wake up the flavors.
5. Add coconut milk and broth. Bring to a simmer over high heat.
6. Reduce heat to medium, to maintain simmer. Add kale, going handfuls at a time, until it shrinks enough to add the rest.
7. Cook kale, stirring every now and then, until greens are tender and the liquid has thickened, about 10-15 minutes. (Make sure it’s simmering the whole time, but not boiling like crazy.)
8. Stir in apple cider vinegar.
9. Have a taste and add more salt to your liking.
10. Serve kale in a large shallow bowl and scatter toasted pumpkin seeds over the top.

Notes: Ginger is easiest to peel with the edge of a spoon. Full-fat coconut milk is best here! If you really have to go for low-fat, then dial back on the salt.