Beefless-Tips Stuffed Collards with Eggplant & Shiitake

I recently got to try some of Gardein's new frozen line, and I experimented with some recipes using their meatless "meats". They are low-fat and high protein, and taste incredibly authentic. If you are into the taste and texture of meat but want to avoid the ethical, ecological, and social implications of eating animals, this is a pretty great product made from a combination of soy, wheat gluten, quinoa, amaranth, millet and kamut!

I think this recipe for Beefless-Tips Stuffed Collards with Eggplant and Shiitake is easy, delicious and full of nutrients. Enjoy!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED (serves 2):

• 1 small red onion
• 6 medium shiitake mushroom heads
• 1 cup chopped eggplant (about 1/4 of large Eggplant)
• 1/4 cup mixed olives including juice
• 1 tbs red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 tbs olive oil, for sauteing
• 2 large collard green leaves
• 1/2 bag (about 2/3 cup) Gardein Beefless Tips
• salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Wash 2 large collard green leaves, and set aside on 2 plates.
2. Bring a large, oiled skillet ( I prefer cast iron) to medium head.
3. Chop the onion, mushrooms, and eggplant and place in the hot skillet. Add the olives and Gardein Beefless Tips.
4. Saute on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, until the eggplant turn golden and begins to fall apart.
5. Add the red wine vinegar, and white wine and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the liquid cooks off.
6. Divide the contents of the skillet in half, and scoop each half onto a raw collard leaf.
7. Fold the leaf over, then flip so the midrib is on the outside and top:
8. Serve and enjoy!

TIP:

This would go great with some soup. Try my Savory Parsnip or Souper Easy Squash Soup