Collard Green Wonton Recipe: A Southern Twist on a Chinese Classic
Collard greens, a staple in Southern cuisine, often simmered for hours with ham hocks or smoked turkey, possess a rich, earthy flavor that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying. Wontons, delicate dumplings originating from China, are typically filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables and served in broth or pan-fried to crispy perfection. What happens when you marry these two culinary traditions? The result is a surprising and delicious fusion: Collard Green Wontons.
This recipe takes the soul-warming goodness of collard greens and encases it in the tender embrace of wonton wrappers, creating a unique and flavorful appetizer or side dish that will impress your friends and family. It’s a delightful way to introduce collard greens to those who might be hesitant to try them in their traditional form, and it’s a fun and creative spin on a beloved dumpling.
## Why Collard Green Wontons Work
At first glance, the combination of collard greens and wontons might seem unusual. However, the earthy bitterness of the collard greens is perfectly balanced by the savory seasonings and the delicate wrapper. Here’s why this fusion works so well:
* **Flavor Contrast:** The slight bitterness of the collard greens provides a counterpoint to the savory fillings and dipping sauces, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Texture Contrast:** The tender, slightly chewy wonton wrapper provides a delightful contrast to the soft and flavorful collard green filling.
* **Versatility:** Collard Green Wontons can be served in a variety of ways – steamed, boiled, pan-fried, or deep-fried – making them a versatile dish for any occasion.
* **Nutritional Value:** Collard greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, adding a healthy boost to this delicious treat.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you embark on your collard green wonton adventure, gather these ingredients:
**For the Collard Green Filling:**
* 1 large bunch of collard greens (about 1 pound), washed and chopped
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or smoked sausage (optional, but highly recommended)
* 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**For the Wontons:**
* 1 package wonton wrappers (about 50 wrappers)
* 1 egg, beaten (for sealing the wontons)
**For Serving (Optional):**
* Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes for dipping sauce
* Chopped green onions for garnish
* Sesame seeds for garnish
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of delicious Collard Green Wontons:
**1. Prepare the Collard Greens:**
* Wash the collard greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Remove the tough stems and center ribs. Stack the leaves and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
**2. Cook the Collard Green Filling:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* If using bacon or smoked sausage, add it to the skillet and cook until slightly browned.
* Add the chopped collard greens to the skillet. They will seem like a lot at first, but they will cook down significantly.
* Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add the red pepper flakes, if using.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the soy sauce and bacon (if using) are already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the collard greens are tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let the collard green filling cool completely. This is important, as hot filling can make the wonton wrappers soggy.
**3. Assemble the Wontons:**
* Set up your workstation: Place a small bowl of beaten egg, the package of wonton wrappers, and the cooled collard green filling nearby.
* Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean, dry surface. Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a damp cloth or paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
* Place about 1 teaspoon of the collard green filling in the center of the wonton wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make the wontons difficult to seal.
* Brush the edges of the wonton wrapper with the beaten egg. The egg will act as a glue to seal the wonton.
* Fold the wonton wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal, making sure to squeeze out any air pockets.
* Bring the two bottom corners of the triangle together and overlap them. Press firmly to seal. This will create the classic wonton shape. Alternatively, you can simply fold the wonton into a rectangle or square, pressing the edges to seal.
* Place the finished wonton on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat the process with the remaining wonton wrappers and filling.
**4. Cook the Wontons (Choose Your Preferred Method):**
* **Steamed Wontons:**
* Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place the wontons in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or a steamer cloth.
* Steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are translucent and the filling is heated through.
* **Boiled Wontons:**
* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Gently drop the wontons into the boiling water. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot.
* Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the wontons float to the surface and are cooked through.
* Remove the wontons with a slotted spoon and drain well.
* **Pan-Fried Wontons:**
* Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Place the wontons in the skillet in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
* Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the wontons are golden brown and crispy.
* **Deep-Fried Wontons:**
* Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
* Carefully drop the wontons into the hot oil, a few at a time. Be careful not to overcrowd the fryer.
* Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the wontons are golden brown and crispy.
* Remove the wontons with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
**5. Serve and Enjoy!**
* Serve the Collard Green Wontons hot with your favorite dipping sauce. A simple mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes is a classic choice.
* Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
## Tips and Variations
* **Make-Ahead:** The collard green filling can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you want to assemble the wontons.
* **Freezing:** Assembled wontons can be frozen for later use. Place the wontons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen wontons to a freezer bag or container. Cook the frozen wontons directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
* **Spice It Up:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the collard green filling for a spicier kick.
* **Add Protein:** In addition to bacon or smoked sausage, you can add other proteins to the filling, such as ground pork, shrimp, or tofu.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan Option:** Omit the bacon or smoked sausage for a vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, use vegan wonton wrappers (some wonton wrappers contain egg) and omit the egg wash, using a little water to seal the edges instead.
* **Dipping Sauce Variations:** Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, plum sauce, or peanut sauce.
## Serving Suggestions
Collard Green Wontons are a versatile dish that can be served as:
* **Appetizer:** Serve a small plate of wontons as a starter for a meal.
* **Side Dish:** Accompany a main course with a side of steamed or pan-fried wontons.
* **Snack:** Enjoy a few wontons as a satisfying afternoon snack.
* **Party Food:** These wontons are perfect for parties and gatherings. They can be made ahead of time and cooked just before serving.
## Nutritional Information (Estimated)
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the cooking method.* Here’s an approximate estimate per serving (4 wontons):
* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 2-4g
* Cholesterol: 30-50mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Protein: 5-8g
## Conclusion
Collard Green Wontons are a fun and flavorful way to combine the best of Southern and Chinese cuisine. The earthy goodness of collard greens pairs perfectly with the delicate wonton wrapper, creating a unique and satisfying dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a new appetizer to serve at your next party or a creative way to enjoy collard greens, this recipe is a must-try. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure! Enjoy!