Cooking with dandelion leaves...

Dandelion - a plant often considered a weed particularly in lawns, it has a worldwide distribution and is often present in grasslands and on roadsides and through lawns.  But it is also a uselful plant, with leaves that contain generous amounts of vitamin A, B1 and C.  The flowers and roots are also used  for making dandelion wine and a dandelion tea.

I have noticed since our move to the cooler wetter climate of Orange that we have the true dandelions in our lawn - not the more drought tolerant Cats Ear (which is also edible). 

With a warm wet season in Orange our lawn, particularly in shading areas become dominated by dandelions this summer.  So, just before mowing the lawn we collected a heap of fresh dandelion leaves.....

We washed them and chopped them up and steamed them...

before putting them as a green layer in our vegie lasagna...

which was topped with fresh yellow tomatoes (Diggers seed - Wapsipinicon Peach) from the garden and a little cheese...

What a dish!!!

Only comments from the kids was "can I have more" and that the dandelion leaves were a little bitter.  Maybe early season leaves or leaves shaded from the sun before picking would be a little less bitter - but what a great vegetable to collect from our urban garden - I am sure most of you would have it in your yard.

What is your favorite dandelion recipe?