dandelion
The dandelion plant is considered one of the well-known plants in the Levant and Egypt. In Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon, it is called “al-alat.” It is usually used to prepare a traditional dish (dandelion in oil). Dandelion is a wild plant that grows in the winter, and it has multiple types. Some types of dandelion are bitter and cannot be eaten unless boiled, while some are sweet and can be eaten fresh. Dandelion has many benefits for the body, which we will mention to you. We will also mention more than one way to serve it.
Benefits of dandelion plant
- Recent studies have proven that dandelion is useful in burning fat, and therefore eating it helps in losing weight.
- Dandelion improves the functioning of the digestive system.
- Dandelion is used as a treatment for bruises and inflammation.
- Dandelion is an important source rich in calcium, which improves bone health.
- It contains antioxidant compounds, which makes it beneficial for the skin. It also contains vitamin C, which is useful for fighting diseases.
Dandelion oil
Ingredients
- One kilogram of green chicory.
- Three onions.
- A quarter cup of olive oil.
- Quarter cup of lemon juice.
- A teaspoon of salt (as needed).
How to prepare
- We clean the dandelion from wilted and yellow leaves and remove the tough stems.
- We wash the dandelion well with water until we get rid of the dust stuck to it.
- Chop the endive into large pieces.
- Boil the dandelion in boiling water with a little salt until the leaf softens.
- Drain the dandelion from the hot water, then put it in cold water to keep the leaves green.
- Drain the chicory well and squeeze it using your hands to completely get rid of the water.
- Cut the onion into cubes and fry it in oil until it turns red.
- Place the onions in a pot with the boiled chicory, stir them well so that the flavors combine, add an amount of salt as needed, add lemon juice, and stir the chicory over low heat for two minutes.
- Place the dandelion in a serving dish with the bread.
Dandelion salad with walnuts
Ingredients
- Half a cup of walnuts (coarsely chopped).
- Half a kilo of chicory.
- A tablespoon of vinegar.
- Three tablespoons of olive oil.
- Half a teaspoon of mustard.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste).
- Three tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Half a teaspoon of sumac.
- A quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How to prepare
- Toast the walnuts in a thick-bottomed frying pan over medium heat for two to three minutes.
- Prepare the salad dressing by mixing vinegar, oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and sumac.
- We cut the endives into large pieces after washing them, and put them in a salad bowl.
- Add the seasoning to the endives, stir them well, then sprinkle with walnuts and grated cheese, and serve them as a side dish with meat.
