Collard green wraps are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a plant-based meal. They are easy to make, customizable and gluten-free. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create your own vegan collard green wraps at home.
Step 1: Prepare the collard greens
The first step is to wash and trim the collard greens. You want to remove the thick stems and cut off any bruised or yellow parts. Then, you can either blanch or massage the collard greens to make them more tender and pliable.
To blanch the collard greens, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add some salt. Then, submerge the collard greens in the boiling water for about 30 seconds, until they turn bright green. Drain them and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat them dry with a towel or a salad spinner.
To massage the collard greens, sprinkle some salt and lemon juice over them and rub them with your hands for a few minutes, until they soften and wilt. This will also help to reduce their bitterness.
Step 2: Fill the collard greens
The next step is to fill the collard greens with your favorite ingredients. You can use any combination of vegetables, grains, beans, tofu, tempeh, nuts, seeds, herbs and sauces. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Roasted sweet potato, black beans, corn, avocado and salsa
- Quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, olives and hummus
- Brown rice, tofu, carrot, cabbage, cilantro and peanut sauce
- Millet, lentils, roasted cauliflower, spinach and tahini dressing
- Buckwheat, tempeh, kale, sun-dried tomato and pesto
To assemble the wraps, lay a collard green leaf on a flat surface and spread some sauce or hummus over it. Then, add your filling ingredients in a thin layer along the center of the leaf. Leave some space at the top and bottom of the leaf for folding.
Step 3: Wrap the collard greens
The final step is to wrap the collard greens around the filling. To do this, fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling and tuck it under. Then, fold in the sides of the leaf and roll it up from the bottom to the top. You can use a toothpick or a piece of string to secure the wrap if needed.
You can enjoy your vegan collard green wraps right away or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and reheat them in the microwave or oven when ready to eat.
Vegan collard green wraps are a great way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal that is packed with flavor and nutrients. They are also fun to make and customize according to your preferences. Try them out today and let me know what you think!