Collard Wrap Directions and Why I Use Them

I mentioned earlier this week that I like to use collards in place of flat bread when I want something portable to eat. I started using collards when we cut back on our flour consumption. But now I actually prefer them to bread. There are few reasons for this which I want to highlight:

1. Calorie difference: 1 collard leaf has less than 5 calories versus 100 calories for the average whole wheat flat bread.  I think all these little savings add up and make a difference over the long run.

2. Nutrition difference: collards are rich in vitamin A, folate, calcium and potassium and bread isn’t.

3. Texture: Collards don’t get soggy if you make them ahead of time and pack them to eat later.

4. Price: A bunch of organic collards with approximately 16 leaves (or wraps) was less than $2.00. You are not going to find 16 organic whole wheat flat breads for that price.

While I started using collards as a way to avoid flour there are many more benefits to using them as a flat bread replacement. I would continue to use collards as a bread replacement even if I weren’t trying to avoid flour.

I wanted to provide a few pictures of the specific techniques I use to make a collard wrap. I mentioned that you needed to cut down the stem but I wanted to give more instructions on that and provide a picture. I lay the raw collard leaf on the cutting board with the underside of the leaf facing up. Use a sharp thin knife and lay it flat and shave the stem. The end result is pictured above. I find it is easier to make a few passes and shave the stem down a little at a time.

Once the stem has been cut down it is time to fill the wrap. You can use anything you like for the inside. On this particular wrap I used super flavorful fat free hummus, healthy caponata and a tablespoon of almond feta (no oil version)

Now it is time to roll the wrap up. Fold up the leafy part of the wrap to keep the filling from sliding out the end while you are trying to eat it.

Next roll the wrap like a burrito.  If desired you can cut off the top if it isn’t filled to the end. I don’t do this if I am packing them to travel.  If you are planning to take this with you wrap it up in waxed paper or aluminum foil. Collard wraps travel well since they don’t get soggy. 

That is all there is making collard wraps. They are just as versatile as flat bread filled wraps and much better for you.

Unrelated note:

My sweetie is downtown at his office today. He and Walid worked until almost 11pm last night and are back at the office today. Since I am home alone I decided to make a day of it and spend some time relaxing. There will definitely be a long soak in a hot tub probably with a book. Maybe even a glass of medicinal vino. But before I relax I need to cross some items off my to do list.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend. The weather is gorgeous here, sunny and upper 70’s. Sounds like a perfect day to me. Talk to you soon.