**Lambsquarters: A Nutritious and Versatile Wild Green with a Range of Culinary Options**
Lambsquarters, a leafy green vegetable with a mild and slightly bitter flavor, is a nutritional powerhouse often overlooked in modern cuisine. Its tender leaves and young shoots are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any diet. This article explores the culinary versatility of lambsquarters, presenting a collection of delectable recipes that showcase its unique flavor profile. From salads and soups to fritters and pestos, these recipes highlight the diverse applications of this wild green, inspiring home cooks to embrace its culinary potential. Whether you're a seasoned forager or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, this comprehensive guide to lambsquarters recipes will provide you with the inspiration and knowledge to create delicious and nutritious dishes that celebrate this underappreciated plant.
LAMBSQUARTERS
Lambsquarters are generally considered a weed. You have probably yanked them out of your own flowerbed and never knew that they were good to eat. They taste like swiss chard. Be sure not to over cook them. I was surprised that no one else had posted about them here. Be sure that you check that you are picking the real thing, here is a good reference http://www.ppws.vt.edu/scott/weed_id/cheal.htm there are many more, but this one has a good picture.
Provided by KookieMomster
Categories Greens
Time 15m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oil in a sautee pan and dice the onion.
- Wash the leaves and stems, bring the water to a boil.
- Brown the onion, when brown set aside with a lid on.
- Steam the leaves/stems until tender @2 minute Mix juice with onions and oil.
- Put leaves in a bowl, drizzle with onion/lemon/oil sauce and sprinkle with seeds and salt.
- Serve immediately.
LAMBSQUARTERS SEED SMOOTHIE
By fall, there is a second harvest of lambsquarters. Not the leaves this time, but the seeds, which have a nice flavor and can be used in smoothies, soups, scrambled eggs... use your imagination. This is the seed smoothie I made today.
Provided by Irma Nippert
Categories Drinks Recipes Smoothie Recipes Veggie
Time 10m
Yield 1
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Rinse lambsquarters seeds in a fine-mesh strainer. Drain.
- Combine rinsed seeds, water, pear, apple, beet tops and stems, honey, and ginger in a high-powered blender. Blend slowly until chunks are smaller. Increase speed to high and blend until smooth and creamy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 277.8 calories, Carbohydrate 70.7 g, Fat 0.9 g, Fiber 14.6 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 305.7 mg, Sugar 48.5 g
LAMBSQUARTERS SMOOTHIE
A green smoothie made with a highly nutritious garden weed. Lambsquarters is often compared to spinach, but with a milder flavor.
Provided by Irma Nippert
Categories Drinks Recipes Smoothie Recipes Veggie
Time 10m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine water, apples, kiwi, lambsquarters, honey, flax seeds, and ginger in a blender; blend on high speed until smooth, about 30 seconds.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 172.1 calories, Carbohydrate 37.3 g, Fat 3.2 g, Fiber 7.3 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 27.6 mg, Sugar 26.4 g
Tips:
- Identify Lambsquarters Correctly: Before harvesting, ensure you can accurately identify lambsquarters. Look for its triangular leaves with a slightly toothed edge and a pale green color.
- Harvest Young Leaves: For the best flavor and texture, harvest lambsquarters leaves when they are young and tender. Avoid older leaves, as they can be tough and bitter.
- Wash Thoroughly: Before using lambsquarters, wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. You can soak them in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Cook Lambsquarters Properly: Lambsquarters can be cooked in various ways, including boiling, steaming, sautéing, or stir-frying. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the leaves tough. Aim for a tender-crisp texture.
- Experiment with Different Recipes: Lambsquarters is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes. Try it in salads, soups, stews, and stir-fries. You can also use it as a filling for omelets, quiches, and dumplings.
Conclusion:
Lambsquarters is a nutritious and delicious wild green that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its mild flavor and tender texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into various recipes. Whether you're looking to add more greens to your diet or simply want to try something new, lambsquarters is a great option. So, next time you're out foraging, keep an eye out for this overlooked edible plant, and give it a try. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
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