If you haven’t tried dandelion greens as yet, then this is a great recipe for your first taste. But, be prepared. Though these Braised Dandelion Greens are tender and so full of flavour, they can be slightly bitter. On the upside, these greens are an excellent source of Vitamins A,C, E and K as well as iron, potassium, calcium and more, therefore having more nutrients than kale or spinach. vegan, gluten free | nut free | soy free
Dandelions
Dandelions are sometimes known as a weed and can be found in the backyard. The greens are safe to eat raw, making them a great addition to salads, especially when mixed with sweet lettuce greens. These greens can also be added to stir-fries, soups, omelettes and quiches.
These leafy greens contain so many vitamins and nutrients they are good for your whole digestive system, kidneys and liver. They are also anti-inflammatory, so may help with reducing swelling that is the root cause of many chronic diseases.
The yellow flowers are edible with a lovely honey-like taste. They can be added to salads, rice and vegetable dishes. The white puffs are great to use for making wishes only.
Always be sure to pick your dandelions from areas that have not been treated with pesticides. After collecting a large bowl full of dandelions, give them a wash in cold water. Strain them in a colander.
Dandelion Greens with Garlic
This quick and nourishing side dish is easy to make and tastes great. Though some may find them slightly bitter, this taste does help aid digestion, absorb nutrients and stimulate immune function.
With a peppery taste, the young, tender shoots are usually less bitter than their older, more mature counterparts.
If you do find the greens are a littler too bitter for you, try blanching them in a pot of boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and placed in a bowl of ice cold water. Remove excess water with a towel and proceed with this recipe. The water left over after boiling makes a great stock for soups, or can be added to smoothies or used as a tea.
Dandelion Greens Variations
- Sprinkle a handful of toasted hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans or pine nuts over before serving
- For a bit of spice, add 1 tsp of red pepper flakes when adding the garlic
- Sprinkle with a hard cheese that has been grated
- Try topping the dish with canalised onions
Ingredients for Braised Dandelion Greens
To make these dandelion greens, you will need:
- 450g (1lb) Dandelion Greens, washed and dried
- 5 cloves (25g) Garlic, peeled and sliced
- 3 TBSP (45ml) Olive Oil
- 1 -2 tsp (5-10ml) Maple Syrup or Honey
- ¾ cup (180ml) Vegetable Broth
- 1 – 2 TBSP (15-30ml) Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
- ½ tsp (3g) Sea Salt
Making Garlic Dandelion Greens
First, peel the garlic and then slice thinly about 3mm (⅛ “) thick and put aside.
Wash and dry the dandelion greens, trimming off any ends that have no green leaf connected.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring regularly until golden brown.
Remove the garlic while keeping the oil in the pan.
Return the pan to the heat and add the dandelion greens. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they are just starting to wilt.
Reduce the heat to low and add the vegetable broth and maple syrup. Stir to mix through.
Simmer, uncovered. stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until 75% of the liquid has been cooked off.
Remove from heat, and stir in the salt and lemon juice to taste.
Toss in the fried garlic before serving.
More Dandelion Resources
- Dandelion Cookies
- Growing, Harvesting and Using Dandelions
- Dandelion Infused Oil
- Dandelion Lotion Bars
Garlic Braised Dandelion Greens
Simple Living. Creative LearningIngredients
- 450 g Dandelion Greens Washed and Dried
- 5 Cloves Garlic Peeled and sliced
- 3 TBSP Olive Oil
- 1-2 tsp Maple Syrup Or honey
- ¾ Cup Vegetable Broth
- 1-2 TBSP Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
- ½ tsp Sea Salt
Instructions
- First, peel the garlic and then slice thinly about 3mm (⅛ ") thick and put aside.
- Wash and dry the dandelion greens, trimming off any ends that have no green leaf connected.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring regularly until golden brown.
- Remove the garlic while keeping the oil in the pan.
- Return the pan to the heat and add the dandelion greens. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they are just starting to wilt.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the vegetable broth and maple syrup. Stir to mix through.
- Simmer, uncovered. stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until 75% of the liquid has been cooked off.
- Remove from heat, and stir in the salt and lemon juice to taste.
- Toss in the fried garlic before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. The values may vary according to the ingredients and tools that are used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed information.