Collard Greens

Collard Greens are a very nutritious green.  They are in the same family as kale and cabbage, contain high levels of  Vit A, C & K, calcium and anti-cancer agents.  The good news is that they taste great too.  This variety has a very mild flavor.

Use the leaves as wraps to save carbs.  These wraps are still raw even though they seem slightly cooked.  Very tasty and high in nutrition.

Remove the large stem down the center of each leaf and separate it into 2 pieces.  In a pie plate or lasagne pan, combine 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1 tsp sea salt.  Stir to dissolve.  Dip both sides of each collard leaf in the lemon juice liquid and lay them in a casserole dish stacking as you go.  Cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days.  This is to soften the leaves so that they roll easily and chew and also the leaves take on a different texture that is very appealing.  Nutritious and satisfying.

Lather on some of your favorite sauce or filling across the center on each leaf.  Julienne some vegetables making them long enough to hang out both sides of the wrap.  Zucchini, yellow squash, cucumber, jicama, sweet pepper, celery, and scallions are good choices for this.  Adding shredded carrots and beets to add texture and flavor to your creation.  A variety of sprouts such as alfalfa, red clover, broccoli, mung bean, sunflower or others add nice crunch.  Herbs such as cilantro, parsley, garlic chives, or your favorite round out the creation.  When you have the wrap full enough, roll them up.  Serve with additional sauce and enjoy!

A wonderful sauce to use is Raw Cashew Lime Ginger Coconut Dip!  Cover 2 cups raw shelled cashews with water and soak for 2-4 hours.  Drain the cashews.  In a blender, add the cashews, 1 lime, peeled, 1 inch ginger (Cut into smaller pieces before adding to the blender.), 1 Tbsp Nama Shoyu (raw soy sauce) or soy sauce, 2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted.  Blend together well and use.  Scrap the blender good as you’ll want every drop.

Experiment with other sauces, nut and seed pates, other fillings and different vegetables and herbs.  Find out your favorite and share it with us.