Dandelion greens and bacon is a delicious combination that balances the slightly bitter taste of dandelion greens with the savory, smoky flavor of bacon. Here’s how to prepare this flavorful dish:
Ingredients:
1 bunch of dandelion greens
4-6 slices of bacon
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
Lemon juice or vinegar (optional, for a touch of acidity)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dandelion Greens:
Start by washing the dandelion greens thoroughly under cold running water. Shake off any excess water or pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Trim off the tough stems from the dandelion greens and discard them, or save them for other uses. You’ll be using the tender leafy parts for this dish.
Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side.
If you prefer less grease in your dish, you can place the cooked bacon on paper towels to drain the excess fat.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic (Optional):
If using, add the finely chopped onion to the pan with the bacon grease. Sauté the onion over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the Dandelion Greens:
Tear or chop the cleaned dandelion greens into manageable pieces and add them to the skillet with the bacon and onions (or garlic).
Use tongs or a spatula to toss and stir the greens to coat them in the bacon grease. This will help wilt the greens evenly.
Sauté and Season:
Continue to sauté the dandelion greens over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes or until they start to wilt and become tender.
Season the greens with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Finish and Serve:
Once the dandelion greens are tender and have reduced in volume, remove them from the heat.
Crumble the crispy bacon over the cooked greens and toss to combine.
If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors.
Serve: Transfer the dandelion greens and bacon to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately as a side dish or as a delicious topping for other dishes.
Dandelion greens and bacon make for a flavorful and nutritious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Enjoy the combination of the earthy greens with the rich and smoky bacon flavor.