Collard Wraps With Carrot Hummus Recipe

Collard greens: Large, dark green leaves that are sturdy enough to hold fillings without tearing.

Carrots: Fresh, peeled, and chopped to create a sweet and vibrant hummus.

Chickpeas: Also known as garbanzo beans, these add a creamy texture and protein to the hummus.

Tahini: A paste made from ground sesame seeds, adding a rich, nutty flavor to the hummus.

Garlic: Freshly minced to give a pungent and aromatic taste.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to add a tangy and bright flavor.

Cumin: A warm and earthy spice that enhances the overall flavor of the hummus.

Salt: To taste, for seasoning the hummus.

Black pepper: To taste, for a hint of spice and seasoning.

When preparing the collard greens for wrapping, blanching them briefly in boiling water for about 30 seconds can make them more pliable and easier to roll. After blanching, immediately transfer the leaves to an ice bath to preserve their vibrant green color and crisp texture. This technique ensures that the collard wraps hold together well and are easier to handle.

• collard greens - Substitute with Swiss chard: Swiss chard has a similar texture and can be used as a wrap just like collard greens.

• collard greens - Substitute with romaine lettuce: Romaine lettuce leaves are large and sturdy enough to hold fillings, making them a good alternative.

• carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a similar sweetness and can be pureed to mimic the texture of carrot hummus.

• carrots - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweetness and texture when cooked and pureed.

• chickpeas - Substitute with white beans: White beans have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a good substitute in hummus.

• chickpeas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame can provide a similar protein content and creamy texture when blended.

• tahini - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter has a similar consistency and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative to tahini.

• tahini - Substitute with peanut butter: Peanut butter can provide a similar creamy texture and nutty taste, though it will add a different flavor profile.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor similar to garlic when minced.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though the flavor will be less intense.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good substitute for lemon juice.

• lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide the necessary acidity, though it will add a slightly different flavor.

• cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander has a similar earthy flavor and can be used as a substitute for cumin.

• cumin - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a similar depth of flavor and a hint of smokiness.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar salty flavor along with additional umami notes.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in place of regular salt, providing a slightly different mineral flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor, though it is slightly milder.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a similar heat, though it will be spicier and add a different flavor profile.

• To store your collard wraps with carrot hummus, first ensure they are tightly wrapped. This helps maintain their shape and prevents the hummus from drying out.

• Place the wrapped collard greens in an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. These wraps can last up to 2 days when properly stored, making them a great option for meal prep.

• If you want to freeze the wraps, it's best to individually wrap each one in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This extra layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the collard greens from becoming soggy.

• Place the individually wrapped collard wraps in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen wraps, transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the carrot hummus and collard greens.

• For a quicker thaw, you can also leave the wraps at room temperature for a few hours. However, be mindful not to leave them out for too long to avoid any risk of spoilage.

• Once thawed, if the collard greens seem a bit too soft, you can refresh them by placing the wraps in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps firm them up slightly.

• Enjoy your collard wraps cold or at room temperature. They make a perfect, healthy snack or meal on the go.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the collard wraps on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.
  4. Let them sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the collard wraps in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Check to ensure they are warmed through before serving.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the collard wraps in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. Remove carefully and serve immediately.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or water to the skillet.
  3. Place the collard wraps in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.
  5. Serve immediately.

• Steamer basket: Used to steam the carrots until they are tender, which helps to soften them for blending.

• Blender: Essential for combining the steamed carrots, chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper into a smooth hummus.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for peeling and chopping the carrots.

• Chef's knife: Used for peeling and chopping the carrots, as well as mincing the garlic.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the tahini, lemon juice, and cumin.

• Mixing bowl: Can be used to hold the rinsed chickpeas and other ingredients before blending.

• Spatula: Helps to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

• Large plate or tray: Useful for laying out the collard green leaves and assembling the wraps.

• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing the collard wraps in half if desired.

• Storage container: Ideal for storing the collard wraps in the fridge if not serving immediately.

Pre-steam the carrots: Steam the carrots in advance and store them in the fridge. This will save you time when you're ready to make the carrot hummus.

Use a food processor: A food processor can blend the ingredients faster and more efficiently than a blender, giving you a smoother hummus in less time.

Prep collard greens ahead: Wash and remove the stems from the collard greens ahead of time. Store them in a damp paper towel in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Batch make hummus: Double the hummus recipe and store extra in the fridge for up to a week. This way, you have a ready-to-use spread for quick meals.