It’s been a bit of a rough week. Last weekend I attended a workshop, but instead of feeling inspired and encouraged I ended up feeling lots of self-doubt and insecurity. I’ve been feeling down ever since and am trying to remember to just roll with it, knowing that these feelings come in waves. On top of it all, it’s been ridiculously hot here which makes it hard to get much done. I’m looking forward to a little break next week and some time on the water. What are your summer plans?
I made these collard wraps a few weeks ago on Nom after I found these beautiful collard greens at the market. I’m excited to share the recipe with you here. They’re simple, tasty and make great leftovers for lunch. Enjoy!
Collard Wraps
Makes 8-10
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 red onion, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup brown rice
5 cups vegetable broth
1/4 cup dried currants
1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, minced
2 tablespoons thyme leaves
2 tablespoons oregano, minced
1 bunch collard greens
PROCEDURE
Heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the salt, paprika, chili and cumin, stir and continue cooking until fragrant. Add the rice and stir constantly for a few minutes until toasted and opaque. Add the broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 45-55 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is cooked through and creamy. Stir in the currants, almonds and herbs and set aside.
Trim any extra stem off of the collard leaves. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the collard leaves for a few minutes until bright green. Remove from the water and immediately run under cold water.
To assemble the wraps, place about 1/4 cup of the filling on each leaf, tuck the sides in and roll the wraps.
This looks delicious!
I am way too often caught up in this comparison game too, and nothing good ever comes out of it. In case it might make you feel a tiny bit better, I honestly think you are one of the most talented people in the blogosphere, Sasha. We all have self-doubts and they’re certainly part of the game, but never forget how awesome you are and please never stop doing what you’re doing. <3
Thank you sooooo much for this. I really appreciate these kind words of encouragement and support.
I have attended workshops and felt the exact same way. Sometimes it can be really overwhelming to take in so much “advice” and hear things we “should be” doing. All that said, you have a ridiculous amount of talent, and although I only recently found your blog I absolutely love your content. Keep on keeping on.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I guess I need to work on being more open and receptive…lifelong learning here I come…
Sasha, the creativity and beauty that comes out of your kitchen week after week does not cease to amaze me. You are so mega talented and are absolutely rocking it over here in the blog-o-sphere, so just keep on keepin’ on, because its totally working!
Awww thank you so much! I really appreciate your support and encouragement.
totally feeling you, girl! having the same feelings lately, but knowing it will soon pass – hopefully! hope being near that fluid water gives you all the inspiration you need to get back in that kitchen with renewed inspiration! xo’s
Thanks! Must be the heat 😉
Oh Sasha, I wish I could give you a big hug and look you in the eye and tell you how amazing you are in this very moment. You are you! And exactly the stage of “you” for this moment in time. Embrace it and the wonderful gift today is. I adore you and am so excited to have you share this recipe with us today! I’ve been dreaming of these since I saw them on Nom and cannot wait to give them a try. XO
Thank you soooo much for this! Your support and encouragement really mean so much to me. It’s too easy to get caught up in comparisons and self doubt in the blogging world and I’m so grateful for a friend like you.
Love everything you do and stand for Sasha. Keep cultivating beauty.
Thank you so much for this!
This looks so pretty and delicious! I will definitely be trying this collard wrap. Thx for the inspo!!
‘Comparison is the thief of Joy.’ On repeat. Keep on doing what you’re doing, Sasha. You are so super talented. So happy you shared this recipe here – those colors! Stay cool xx
So true! Thanks for the reminder and for your support!
You know what though? I’m glad you didn’t let your lack of motivation stop you from doing and CREATING. After all, simply succumbing to the darkness never helped anyone, am I right?
In saying that, (note that I am by no means trying to be nosy, and that I am completely aware that is none of my business) would you mind me asking what caused this particular workshop to leave you feeling the way you are, when it should have done the opposite?
Anyway, keep your head up and hopefully your mood improves soon 🙂
Yup. I think the trick is to just keep chugging along, practicing and learning. Feeling better now. I’m not exactly sure what it was that made me feel insecure but my guess is that a lot of it was my own fault. I think I interpreted some of the opinions shared as criticisms of my own work and did way too much comparing…Do you do workshops?
really lovely color