Easy Dandelions Recipes for Every Day Cooking

Did you know that an organic garden oasis is waiting for you in your own backyard? Many edible wild plants, such as dandelions, are readily available and in abundance in most locations across the United States and abroad. No matter where you live, dandelions are sure to be present. Here's how to use dandelions in everyday meals.

Note: Before digging up your first dandelions and trying to create your own organic salad, educate yourself about the safe harvesting and use of dandelions by clicking here:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5889848/dandelions_make_dandy_salads_a_guide.html?cat=32

Dandelion Recipe #1: Dandelions in tossed green salad

Use any combination of the: dandelions greens, lettuce, endive, parsley, tarragon, watercress, young Swiss chard or spinach, chives or young green onion tops. For texture at any or all of the following: sliced radishes, cucumber, celery, onion, mushrooms, shredded ^. Wash well and combine in a wire strainer; shake well to remove water. Add salad dressing and toss again until every leaf shines. Add some salt and pepper. Serve in a large salad bowl rubbed lightly with garlic, which will be gently infused into the greens. Additional options include the following: croutons, grated cheese, sliced hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, grated bacon bits, olives, sprinklings of blue cheese.

Dandelion Recipe #2: Wilted dandelions

Wash, dry and place dandelions greens in a mixing bowl and set aside. In a pan, mix 2 tablespoons bacon drippings or melted butter with two beaten eggs, 1 cup of cream, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, add salt and pepper to taste. Stir mixture over moderate heat until it thickens. Pour while hot over the greens, mix and toss thoroughly and serve.

Dandelion Recipe #3: Stir-fried dandelions

Wash, dry, and place dandelions in a mixing bowl. Pour over 2 tablespoons bacon drippings, 1/4 cup vinegar, add the salt and pepper to taste, mix and toss thoroughly. Place on a griddle or frying pan under moderate heat, sprinkle over 1/4 cup diced fried bacon, stir and toss Chinese vegetable style and serve hot.

Dandelion Recipe #4: boiled dandelions

In a pan, place 1 to 1/2 cups chopped or unchopped dandelion greens (per serving), 1/2 cup water, 1 teaspoon butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and bring to a light boil. Immediately reduce heat, stirring, until the butter is well distributed. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes and serve hot. Provide soy sauce, butter, salt and/or lemon juice for individual seasoning to taste.

Dandelion Recipe #5: Dandelion omelet

In a bowl, beat 3 eggs, 1 tablespoon cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt until mixture is blended. Pour into a greased heated griddle, using a spatula to push the outflow to center. When the mixture has firmed but still liquid on top, place dandelion greens on one side, fold the opposite side over, and cover immediately. Cook 3 to 4 minutes over moderate heat. Remove cover and serve.

Dandelion Recipe #6: Dandelion Souffle

In a skillet fry 1/2 cup finely chopped bacon until crisp. Pour bacon bits and fat over 1 cup sliced dandelion greens, toss and set aside. Beat 3 egg yolks until thick. Slowly add dandelion greens to egg yolk, stirring in. Add 3 stiffly beaten egg whites, folding together thoroughly. Turn into an ungreased souffle dish. Bake 35 minutes at 325 degrees F. or until an inserted knife comes out clean. Serve.

Dandelion Recipe #7: Dandelion in hot German potato salad

In a covered pan cook 2 lbs small white potatoes, unpeeled, in boiling water with 1 tbsp salt until fork-tender. Peel and cut into 1/4-in. slices, set aside. In a skillet, fry 1/2 cup diced bacon until crisp. Add 1/2 cup minced onion and saute until tender. in a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cup flour, 4 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water, stirring until smooth. Add contents of bowl to skillet, stirring until slightly thickened. Blend in 1 1/2 cups sliced dandelion greens, 1/4 cup minced onion, 2 tbsp snipped parsley. Pour hot dressing over potatoes, mixing in, and serve hot.

Recipes were transcribed from personal knowledge and advice from family/friends.

Other sources for unique dandelion recipes can be found online, including the following sites:

http://www.mountain-breeze.com/kitchen/dandelions/
http://www.mariquita.com/recipes/dandelion.html
http://www.learningherbs.com/dandelion_recipes.html