Dandelion Greens

My mom taught me to recognize a lot of what are called "weeds".  You might be surprised at what is growing in your backyard that is of medicinal use for you!  We have everything from wild blackberry, ribwort plantain, to my favorite, . . . dandelion.  Why pay $3.00 per bunch when you can go pick your own greens??  Ok, so that's not really true here, . . . I actually don't pick my dandelion greens from the yard unless I know the dog hasn't peed on it, which is not really ever the case in our house.  Still though, their appearance give me the inspiration to write about them, they are everywhere these days.

Dandelion greens are wonderful.  I never knew about their magic till I was pregnant with Serafin and dealing with some very uncomfortable constipation (darn babies get you all plugged up!).  These greens will get your bowels moving for sure!

In my opinion, the greens are too bitter to eat raw, sometimes I throw them in soups or stir-fries, but my favorite way to eat them is the greek way.  When I was a little girl my Dad used to make Horta (stewed greens).  You can make this with many different types of greens, in Greece they make Horta according to whatever greens were currently coming up that season.  Since you can find anything in the grocery store these days, my Dad seemed to always settle on dandelion greens.  


Honestly, I never liked Horta as a child, but as my palate changed, I have grown to love this yummy dish.  So y'all, . . . another greek dish from my childhood, to honor the greens of spring, . . . and it's simple to make, . . . enjoy!

Horta (stewed greens)

Steam greens till well wilted.

Drizzle with olive oil and juice of half lemon (or to taste)

Add salt. 
Done!

That's all! 

Now, chow down!

Yum!