Garden delights: Cooking with dandelion greens
Dandelion greens, commonly dismissed as pesky yard weeds, are actually a nutrient-rich and delicious addition to your kitchen. Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron, these greens can bring a flavorful and healthy kick to your salads, pastas, and more. Read on for five fun and tasty ways to cook with dandelion greens.
Refreshing dandelion salad
A quick and delicious way to use dandelion greens is in a salad. Just mix young, tender leaves with other greens like spinach or arugula to balance the flavors. Add in some sliced strawberries, nuts, and a vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing meal. The sweetness of the strawberries and the tangy dressing perfectly complement the bitterness of the dandelion greens, making for a healthy and tasty dish.
Dandelion green pesto
Turn those dandelion greens into a delicious pesto! Just blend them up with some garlic, pine nuts or walnuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a food processor until everything's nice and smooth. Slather it on sandwiches or toast, toss with pasta for a tasty twist, or drizzle over grilled veggies for an extra kick of flavor.
Sauteed dandelion greens
If you enjoy cooked greens, try sauteing dandelion leaves. It's yummy! Simply heat olive oil in a pan over medium, add chopped garlic until fragrant, then toss in washed and chopped dandelion greens. Saute until wilted but still bright green. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This cooking method mellows their bitterness while retaining their nutritious benefits.
Dandelion green smoothies
Add a healthy kick to your mornings by incorporating dandelion greens into your smoothies. Simply blend bananas, apples or pears for natural sweetness; toss in a handful of dandelion leaves; add a creamy base of yogurt or almond milk; and blend until smooth. Enjoy a nutrient-packed drink that sets a positive tone for the day.
Dandelions as herbal tea
You can also use dried dandelions to prepare a beneficial herbal tea with detoxifying properties. Just let the dried dandelion leaves steep in boiling water for around 10 minutes and strain it into cups. Add honey or lemon as per your taste, but even without any additions, it provides several health benefits like aiding digestion.
