Glorious Green Wrap Recipe!

I absolutely love a quick meal and of course the more colorful and healthy, the more appealing it is for a healthnut like me. Rich dark color in the plant world means more vitamins and minerals! I love this green wrap recipe because not only can you use pretty much whatever ingredients you have on hand, but this is your chance to get all that lovely greenery into your diet. Bitter greens like arugula, dandelion and kale have a tremendous amount of minerals, in which the Standard American Diet is void, plus they are superb detoxifiers for the liver. And for all my celiac and grain-free friends who crave a burrito, but can’t tolerate flour or corn, the collard green wrap is the perfect solution!

Leafy Green Talk

Did you know that kale and collard greens are essentially the same plant? That’s right. The difference is kale has curly edges and is less tolerant to warmer temperatures than collards. Additionally, collards are apart of the cruciferous or cabbage family, which also includes rutabaga, brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnips and broccoli. Collard greens are packed full of nutrients, but contain almost no calories–a win-win! Full of carotenes, vitamin C, B6 and manganese, one cup of kale or collard is actually equivalent to 70 percent of the daily recommended value for vitamin C and only has 20 calories. This is quite amazing! Collards are also full of fiber and minerals like copper, iron and calcium, as well as vitamins B1, B2 and E. When choosing your collard greens look for leaves that are fresh and dark green. Steer clear of leaves that show yellowing or dryness around the edges as these are not fresh and will not taste as good.

Here are two versions of these beautiful emerald green wraps, ensuring you have more than enough ideas to enjoy them for a quick lunch or dinner.

Vegetarian/Vegan Version

Serves: 1-2              Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Hummus

• 1 can of garbanzo beans drained
• 2-3 tablespoons of tahini (seasame)
• 3 tablespoons of EVOO + 1 tbs for garnish
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
• 3-4 cloves of chopped garlic (more or less to your liking)
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp sea salt (more or less to your liking)

For the Filling

• 1 portobello mushroom or 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1-2 tsp of Nutiva Buttery Coconut Oil
• 1/4 c. of chopped red or white onion
• 1 clove of garlic (optional)
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/2 tsp Italian herbs
• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
• 1 pinch of sea salt
• 1 handful of fresh organic greens (arugula, spinach and baby kale work nicely)

Directions

1. Rinse and dry your fresh collard leaves with filtered water. Cut off the lower stem and save for juicing. Place your leaves on a beautiful plate.
2. On medium heat sauté the mushrooms in buttery coconut oil, onions and garlic.
3. While mushrooms are cooking combine hummus ingredients into your food processor and blend until creamy and smooth. Garnish with more fresh chopped garlic, cayenne and olive oil if desired.
4. Assemble your collard wrap by spreading a layer of hummus, then add your warm mushrooms, avocado, greens and herbs. You may also add other raw veggies like bell pepper, sprouts or tomato for more delicious combinations. Wrap like a burrito and enjoy!

Paleo Version

Serves: 1-2          Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 3-4 oz. of organic ground turkey
• 1/4 c. red or white onion
• 1 clove chopped garlic (optional)
• 1-2 tsp Nutiva Buttery Coconut Oil
• 1 small organic tomato cubed
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 handful of fresh organic greens
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 tsp of dried or 1 tbs of fresh chopped herb (sage, cilantro or basil)
• 1 pinch of sea salt

Directions

1. Rinse and dry your fresh collard leaves with filtered water. Cut off the lower stem and save for juicing. Place your leaves on a beautiful plate.
2. On medium heat sauté your ground turkey in buttery coconut oil, onions, herb of choice and garlic until cooked thoroughly and slightly browned.
3. Assemble your collard wrap by adding your warm turkey, avocado, greens and herbs/spices on top of your collard leaves. Wrap like a burrito or taco and enjoy!

In divine health,

Kristin

xoxo

References:

Ware, M. (2014).”What are the Health Benefits of Collard Greens?” retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277957.php

Murray, M. (2005). The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. NY: Atria Books