Weed or Flower or Salad!

Dandelions are the scourge of the lawn maintenance person for years. These beautiful yellow flowers of the springtime have a terrible reputation. So, after hearing for many years that they are edible. I decided this year I would give some of the recipes a try.  They are loaded with vitamins and can be eaten raw or cooked. Are you brave enough? Will you give them a try? The following are easy recipes to try. (You’re an adult, but here is the disclaimer warning-Be sure when you harvest them that they haven’t been sprayed with a weed killer or been in an area where pets might have used.) Okay. Let’s give them a try.

Fried Dandelion Buds

Dandelion buds-70 or more  (Be sure you use the variety that has a tubular stalk and not a thick solid one.) 3 eggs beaten, 1-2 Cups flour, salt, and pepper to taste, 1/4 to 1/2 cup butter

Pick buds before they bloom and soak in saltwater to kill any insects on the bud. Rinse and put out on a paper towel to dry.

Beat eggs, salt, pepper, and any other seasoning you like together.

Coat buds with beaten egg mixture.

Melt butter in the skillet while you roll buds in flour.

 

Cook in skillet until golden brown.

Dandelion Greens with Eggs

Gather dandelion greens, the leafy part.  The young smaller leaves will help you avoid the bitter taste. The amount depends on how many you plan to feed. Butter, eggs, season to taste. If you like onions, they could also be added when stir-frying the greens. Cheese of your choice.

Soak greens in saltwater to rid them of insects. Rinse.

Put butter in the pan and add the greens (and onions if you so desire); stir fry until wilted. Add eggs. You could scramble them or cook them sunny side up. Add cheese and let melt. Serve.

Let me know how yours turn out! There are tons of recipes online. Bon Appetit! 

Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay