Something a Little Different, Dandelion Greens are today's Vegetable of the Day!

Dandelion Greens

·     Dandelion is beneficial to digestion and is an antiviral that may be useful in the treatment of AIDS and herpes

·     It may also be useful in treating jaundice, cirrhosis, edema due to high blood pressure, gout, eczema and acne

·     Dandelion is also used to treat and prevent breast and lung tumors and premenstrual bloating

·     Dandelion greens are high in vitamin A in the form of antioxidant carotenoid and vitamin C

·     They also contain calcium and potassium

·     Dandelion root contains inulin, which lowers blood sugar in diabetics

     Dandelion greens may seem like something out the ordinary to you, but they are a healthy and easy substitute in almost any recipe that features other greens such as lettuce, kale, spinach etc. They are wonderful to use to flavor pesto or add to breakfast smoothies, sandwiches and salads. Here's a delicious and simple pasta recipe with some added nutrient benefits form dandelion greens!

 

Pasta with Sausage and Greens
1 pound of pasta
Olive oil
1/4 pound of sausage or tofu, crumbled
4 cloves garlic, minced
Four big handfuls of seasonal greens like dandelions greens
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

 

1) Cook the pasta in salted water, drain and set aside.

 

2) In the same big pot you cooked the pasta in, heat a little olive oil and add the crumbled sausage and garlic.

 

3) Cook over medium heat until the sausage is cooked through.

 

4) Add the greens and cook until barely wilted, then add the pasta and cheese and stir until all is combined - about two minutes.

 

It's always great to try something new and a bit different!