Combining indulgence with health, this VEGAN Kale + Spinach Pull Apart Rolls make an excellent side to soups, pasta and more.
Kale has forever been one of those things that I was prejudiced upon without reason. A few years go, my husband (boyfriend then) was on the phone with me as he opened his first bag of Kale chips and his reactions that day soured my opinion of this leafy vegetable since then. I told you, baseless prejudice.
Fast forward to years later, and I am in need of the calcium in Kale. Having given up dairy, I’m now in search of alternative plant-based sources. Watercress, I’m looking at you next, but thankfully, I already like watercress.
I’m all about the slow transition now, so in an effort to re-condition my kale-hating brain, I’m finding new ways to incorporate Kale into recipes I already love. Starting with these foolproof Garlic Pull Apart Rolls (with detailed step-by-step instructions) that I’m reinventing as these VEGAN Kale + Spinach Pull Apart Rolls.
Is this the healthiest way to eat Kale? Most definitely not, BUT it will get the worst Kale hater to take a bite and that is a step in the right direction. Start slow, work your way up, is my new philosophy in life. What can I say, it works!
Ironically, it was my husband who absolutely loved these VEGAN Kale + Spinach Pull Apart Rolls, that he kept sneaking them out of the kitchen every chance he got.
Season the filling with your choice of flavors – I used a a mix of spices for heat and flavor, but I think just the garlic and some nutritional yeast would do quite nicely! You could also substitute the dairy-free butter in the filling with just a light brushing of olive oil for a slightly less-indulgent version.
Be sure to grease the pan with oil/dairy-free butter for a beautifully rich crust for the bread, and brush the tops with coconut milk for an egg wash like browning!
These VEGAN Kale + Spinach Pull Apart Rolls are best served warm with your favorite stew or soup. Here are some of my favorites:
From Left to Right – One Pot Vegan Chilli Soup | Garlic Scape Lentil | Chickpea Quinoa Soup | Molten Sunshine Soup (made with bell peppers, corn and saffron)
When you make these VEGAN Kale + Spinach Pull Apart Rolls (which I really think you SHOULD!), be sure to SHARE YOUR PHOTOS with me through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I’d love to see what you cook from here!
VEGAN Kale + Spinach Pull Apart Rolls
- Prep Time:2h 10m
- Cook Time:30m
- Total Time:2h 40m
- Serves: 2
- Yield: 8 rolls
Ingredients
For the bread
- 185 g (1 1/2 c) bread flour + more for dusting
- 4 g (1 tsp) instant yeast
- 7 g (1 tsp) salt
- 15 g (1 tbsp) sugar
- 100 mL (1/2 c ) lukewarm water
- 32 mL (2 tbsp) canned coconut milk (lukewarm) + more for brushing
For the filling
- 1 c Kale, chopped
- 1 c baby spinach
- 1/3 c onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, grated
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- a pinch of turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp. red chilli powder
- 1/4 tsp. garam masala
- a pinch of cumin seeds
Other filling
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tbsp. butter + more for greasing
Instructions
Make the dough
- Combine the bread flour, instant yeast, salt and sugar in a bowl. Make a well in the center and add the lukewarm water and coconut milk. Knead into a dough until stickiness is gone and the dough bounces back when pressed with a finger.
- Cover with a damp towel and place in a warm place for an hour to double in size. In the meantime, make the filling.
Make the filling
- In a small pan, heat the oil and sauté the chopped onions with a pinch of salt until soft.
- Add the kale and spinach and cook until wilted. Season with turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin seeds and garam masala.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely. Grind into a paste. Set aside.
Shape the rolls
- Line an 8" loaf tin with foil/parchment paper. Grease lightly with oil/butter.
- Punch out the risen dough and transfer to a clean work surface, dusted with some flour.
- Roll out into a 1/4" thick rectangle. Spread the butter in an even layer. Then top with a layer of tomato paste, Then a final layer of the kale paste.
- Roll, starting from the long end into a log. Slice into 8 pieces.
The final rise
- Place the slices cut-side down into the loaf tin. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm spot for an hour.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Brush the tops of the risen rolls with coconut milk.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the tops are browned and the internal temperature reads 200°F.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Keeps well covered at room temperature for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F/180°C for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Albert Bevia says
These pull apart rolls sound and look so delicious! I was the same way about Kale, until I kinda forced myself to start eating it, now I love it. Thank you for this fantastic recipe 🙂
Tina Dawson says
It does take a little adjustment, then it’s just like any other food, right? My next new kale obsession is lentils and kale. Blends in beautifully!
Christina says
Wow, these pull-apart rolls look so freaking delicious! I don’t think they would last long enough in my house to dunk them in anything, let alone soup!
Tina Dawson says
I can totally see that happening Christina! They are utterly irresistible when they come out of the oven!
Cookilicious says
I too plan on going off diary soon..it helps right? I am yet to experiment with kale and watercress..your recipe sounds delish! Pinned it as well. Thanks.
Tina Dawson says
Thanks Manju! Good luck with your dairy-free goals!
Sara says
I will admit I am not a great fan of kale on its own. But as main ingredient in these amazing sounding pullaparts, then that is a whole other ball game. Love how you added some heat in there too, yum.
Tina Dawson says
Ah, another kale hater!!! I think we should start a ‘Kale begrudgers’ club!
Elizabeth says
I love pull-apart rolls, and these look like the perfect soup accompaniment!
Tina Dawson says
They really are, Elizabeth!
Diana says
These rolls look and sound so amazing, especially if served with a creamy soup. Pinning to try later!
Tina Dawson says
Most definitely they do! Thanks Diana!
Gina Marie says
Pinned! Girl this is the most creative thing I’ve ever seen! I’ve never been biased towards kale I haved liked it from day one but for those who struggle this is GENUIS!
Tina Dawson says
Yaaay Gina! I’m so glad to hear that!