How to make Plant-Based Collard Green Wraps with orange mustard sauce

Plant-Based Collard green wraps, a culinary delight gaining popularity, are a testament to the versatility and nutritional abundance of the collard greens leaf. Traditionally found in Southern U.S. cuisine, collard greens have a sturdy texture and a mild, earthy flavor which can withstand the rigors of being stuffed and rolled, making them an ideal candidate for wrap creation. Used raw or lightly blanched, collard leaves provide not just a robust vessel but also a nutritious one, replete with vitamins A, C, K, and essential minerals.

The plant-based approach to the collard green wrap accentuates healthfulness and sustainability. It caters to a wide audience, from vegans and vegetarians to those simply seeking a lighter, yet satisfying meal option. The versatility is such that they can be customized with a myriad of fillings, including grains like quinoa, assorted legumes, julienned vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Each ingredient is selected not just for taste, but for the balance of macronutrients, ensuring that the wraps are both flavorful and nutritionally complete.

Pairing the wraps with an orange mustard sauce elevates the dish further. The sauce is a harmonious blend of the citrusy zest and sweetness of orange, contrasted with the tangy kick of mustard. This not only adds a rich layer of flavor complexity but also introduces additional health benefits, such as the flavonoids and vitamins present in oranges. The sweet and tangy profile of the sauce acts as both a dressing for the interior ingredients and a dipping accompaniment that complements the subtleties of the collard green’s taste.

To make the orange mustard sauce, fresh orange juice can be whisked together with a stone-ground or Dijon mustard, and tailored with additions like maple syrup for sweetness, a dash of apple cider vinegar for sharpness, and perhaps a sprinkle of garlic or herbs for depth. The resulting concoction is both a visual and gustatory garnish that makes the plant-based collard green wraps not only a nutrient-dense and healthful option but also a dish that appeals to a gourmet palate.

Plant-Based Collard Green Wraps with orange mustard sauce

Plant-Based Collard Green Wraps with orange mustard sauce

Collard green wraps are a healthful and versatile dish often used in vegetarian and vegan cuisine. They are created by using large collard green leaves as a substitute for more traditional wrap options such as tortillas or pita bread. This substitution not only reduces the calorie and carbohydrate content but also increases the nutrient density of the meal since collard greens are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine French

Servings 4 people

Calories 436 kcal

Equipment

• 1 oven
• 1 rimmed baking sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 large eggplant cubed
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 head red cabbage thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 3/4 cup dry millet rinsed
• 4 collard leaves washed and dried
• 2 medium carrots thinly sliced
• 2 radishes thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas drained
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For Orange Mustard Sauce
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp soy yogurt unsweetened
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400° F. Place a piece of parchment paper in a rimmed baking sheet.
• Toss eggplant with dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt and pepper and then place in a single layer in the prepared baking dish and roast until soften and crispy around the edges, for about 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the millet according to the direction on the pack and set aside.
• Combine the mustard, fresh chives, orange zest, soy yogurt, orange juice in a medium mixing bowl and whisk until well mixed. Season dressing with a pinch of salt and pepper and stir well.
• Taste and make the necessary adjustment, add more orange juice for a sweeter sauce or more mustard for spicier sauce.
• To assemble, fill each collard leaf with a dollop of millet. Add a spoon of smoky roasted eggplant, chickpeas, carrots, radishes, cabbage and then drizzle the sauce over it and fold the leave. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Note: you can use greens like kale lettuce, or swiss chard, to wrap the filling.
If you cannot fiind millet around you, use any other cooked greens you can
lay your hands on. Use a toothpick to stick each wrap

Keyword eggplants, red cabbage, smoked paprika

Cooking Tips about Plant-Based Collard Green Wraps with orange mustard sauce

• Leaf Preparation: To get the collard leaves ready for wrapping, blanch them briefly in boiling water to soften, then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This will make the leaves pliable and less bitter. Pat them dry before adding your fillings.
• Choose a Variety of Fillings: To ensure the wraps are not just tasty but nutritionally balanced, include a colorful assortment of julienned vegetables like carrots, red peppers, and purple cabbage. Add protein such as cooked chickpeas or black beans, and grains like quinoa or brown rice for substance.
• Sauce Creation: For the orange mustard sauce, use fresh orange juice as it provides a bright citrus flavor that can’t be matched by store-bought juice. Mix in a quality mustard, such as Dijon, and consider a sweetener like maple syrup to round out the flavors. Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste.
• Wrapping Technique: Lay out the collard leaf flat, place your ingredients towards one end, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly like a burrito. Make sure not to overstuff to prevent tearing the leaves.
• Texture Contrast: For an added textural contrast, incorporate crunchy elements such as sunflower seeds or slivered almonds inside the wraps.
• Flavor Balance: The robust, earthy flavor of collard greens contrasts nicely with the zesty orange mustard sauce. Apply the sauce sparingly if serving as a dipping sauce or drizzle it inside the wrap for a flavor burst with every bite.
• Seasoning the Filling: Lightly season your filling with herbs, spices, or a splash of vinegar to bring out the flavors of the vegetables and grains before they are wrapped.
• Presentation: Cut the wraps diagonally and present them with the cross-section facing up for an appealing presentation that showcases the vibrant interior.
• Making It Ahead: If you’re planning to make these wraps ahead of time, wait to add the sauce until just before serving to prevent the wraps from becoming too soggy.
• Allergy Considerations: Verify all ingredients for potential allergens if you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions. Since the wraps are plant-based, they’re already suitable for vegetarians and vegans, but always double-check, especially when it comes to grain and sauce ingredients.

Serving suggestions about Plant-Based Collard Green Wraps with orange mustard sauce

• Picnic Lunch: Because they hold up well, these wraps are perfect for picnic lunches. The sturdy collard leaves won’t get soggy easily, making them convenient for outdoor dining.
• Appetizers: Slice the wraps into smaller portions to serve as bite-sized appetizers during gatherings or parties. The orange mustard sauce can be used for dipping, adding a zesty kick to each bite.
• Healthy Work Lunch: Packed with vitamins and minerals, these wraps make for a healthy lunch option. Prepare them the night before, but save the sauce for drizzling just before eating to keep the wraps fresh.
• Post-Workout Meal: With a good balance of protein from legumes or grains and carbs from the vegetables, these wraps are excellent for replenishing energy after a workout. The vitamins from the collard greens contribute to recovery.
• Summer Dinner: On hot summer evenings, these collard green wraps are light yet satisfying. Pair them with a chilled soup or salad for a complete meal that doesn’t overburden the digestive system.
• Kid-Friendly Vegetable Intake: For a family-friendly meal, allow kids to choose their own fillings for the wraps. This interactive approach can encourage more vegetable intake.
• Side Dish: Serve the wraps as a side dish with a main course of grilled tofu, tempeh, or even a plant-based burger. The orange mustard sauce can double as a flavorful condiment for the main dish as well.
• Wrap Bar: Create a ‘wrap bar’ with different fillings, including various grains, legumes, and julienned vegetables, allowing everyone to customize their own wrap. Place the orange mustard sauce in a squeeze bottle for easy distribution.

Top 5 FAQs about Plant-Based Collard Green Wraps with orange mustard sauce

• What makes collard green wraps a healthy option? Collard green wraps are an excellent healthy choice because collard greens are low in calories and high in nutrients like vitamins A, C, K, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber. Using these leaves instead of traditional wraps reduces refined carbohydrate intake and adds valuable nutrients to your meal.
• How do you prepare the collard green leaves for wrapping? To prepare collard green leaves for wraps, blanch them in boiling water for a brief time to soften and make them more pliable, then quickly immerse them in ice water to stop the cooking process. Pat the leaves dry before adding your chosen fillings.
• What kind of fillings can you put in a plant-based collard green wrap? A variety of vegetables, grains, and legumes can be used as fillings for collard green wraps. Some popular options include julienned carrots, red peppers, purple cabbage, sliced cucumbers, cooked quinoa, chickpeas, and black beans. Nuts and seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds can be added for extra protein and texture.
• Can you make the orange mustard sauce in advance? How should it be stored? Yes, the orange mustard sauce can be made in advance. It should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and used within a few days. If using as a dipping sauce, apply it sparingly to prevent the wraps from becoming soggy, or drizzle it just before serving.
• Are there any tips for ensuring my collard green wraps don’t tear when rolling? Make sure not to overstuff the wrap with fillings, and fold in the sides securely before rolling up tightly like a burrito. Additionally, using leaves that have been blanched and properly dried will help prevent tearing. Wrapping technique is key – lay out the leaf flat, place ingredients towards one end, fold in the edges, and roll.

In conclusion, plant-based collard green wraps with orange mustard sauce are a delightful and health-conscious meal option that marries nutrition with flavor. They harness the nutritional benefits of collard greens which are rich in vitamins and minerals, and offer a low-carb alternative to traditional wraps. The variety of fillings, which can include colorful vegetables, wholesome grains, and protein-rich legumes, allows for both customization and ensures a balanced diet.