Lambs Quarters and Chive Blossoms
Two things came together to bring you this post. 1) I needed to clear out the “weeds” from one of the beds from last year and, 2) I was reading Hank Shaw’s Hunter Angler Gardener Cook and he was talking about lambs-quarters. Those previously mentioned weeds were primarily lambs-quarters, so while I could just add them to the compost pile, I’m not generally one to pass up free food!
Lambs-quarters is a widespread green through out North America and Europe. In fact, there’s a good chance there is some in your yard right now!
So I picked it, washed and (mostly dried) it and chopped some more of the chive blossoms I’ve been working my way through.
A little oil in a pan, some garlic, add the chives, saute, add the greens and about 1/8 cup hot water, reduce heat and put lid on it. The greens will wilt quickly similar to spinach, and retain their bright color.
Add a pinch of salt, and a grating of Parmesan.
These slighty bitter greens were a welcome addition to a simple weeknight meal.
Be sure to identify any wild greens before eating them. But if you do, sometimes a great dish is right under your nose!
Until next time, Eat Well & Keep Digging!
May 8, 2012
Ok, I have never eaten these but I believe I have seen them. Going to have to look the yard over and see.
May 8, 2012
I bet a dollar you have them!
May 9, 2012
Oh. I thought you were going to write about meat! Is there another name for these Lambs Quarters? They look and sound somewhat similar to “Fat Hen” (Chenopodium Alba) which is a widespread garden weed here.
May 9, 2012
It IS similar Mark! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chenopodium_album
May 9, 2012
I was going to write that I was unfamiliar with these, David, but once I checked out the photo in the link you provided, I now know differently. These things are everywhere and what a surprise learning that they’re edible! With all of the greens my family picked and ate, how did this one escape them?
May 9, 2012
John there is a lot of food right under our nose! Not sure how your resourceful family missed it!
May 10, 2012
Def Fat Hen
May 10, 2012
Thanks Gill for another common name!
May 10, 2012
My neighbor is a fantastic gardener. He was sharing with me last year some of “weeds” he and his family used to eat. I am continually amused at what is a cool plant today and what is uncool today. So many weeds were eaten in the recent past. I think of the dandelion, you can eat the greens, make jelly and wine from them. Such a plentiful plant and useful, yet we spray to remove them. Oh well. It is good to remember learn, right!
May 10, 2012
“Remember-learn”… I like that Spencer! It is interesting ( and sad) what has been forgotten in just a short span of time.
May 10, 2012
Hi David,
I have to admit I was avoiding reading your post as I thought it was going to be about meat! So glad now I did read it. Fat Hen as we know it here, is indeed very popular with foragers. I had an absolutely delicious Fat Hen and Ricotta Cannelloni a couple of years ago at the end of a foraging cooking day in the lovely city of Bath. Must go out and look for some now and get cooking-thanks so much for the reminder!
May 11, 2012
No, not about meat this time! It is interesting to me how many different names this has!