Springtime Delight: Sautéed Dandelion and Shepherd’s Purse Salad
Springtime Delight: Sautéed Dandelion and Shepherd’s Purse Salad
Taste the Essence of Spring, Even in America: A Fragrant Salad of Shepherd’s Purse and Dandelion
Just five years ago today, Minnesota experienced a spring day with a foot of snow piling up on the deck. Today, however, I was quite taken aback by the sudden summer heat reaching 70 degrees Fahrenheit. As I took a stroll around my backyard, I noticed a delightful sight: shepherd’s purse and dandelions were peeking out everywhere, heralding the arrival of spring! How wonderful it was to see them! These resilient greens, having endured the harsh winter, are as precious as medicinal herbs, aren’t they? I’ve recreated the slightly bitter, fresh taste of spring with this shepherd’s purse and dandelion salad.
Main Ingredients- 1 handful of fresh Shepherd’s Purse
- 1 handful of tender Dandelion greens
Seasoning Ingredients- 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste for a hint of sweetness)
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes for a touch of heat)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar (for a refreshing tang)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic (enhances the aroma)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (for nutty richness)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1/2 Tbsp Maesil-cheong (Plum Extract) or Corn Syrup (for sweetness and depth)
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- A pinch of Fish Sauce (to adjust saltiness to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste for a hint of sweetness)
- 1/2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes for a touch of heat)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar (for a refreshing tang)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic (enhances the aroma)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (for nutty richness)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1/2 Tbsp Maesil-cheong (Plum Extract) or Corn Syrup (for sweetness and depth)
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- A pinch of Fish Sauce (to adjust saltiness to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly clean and prepare the shepherd’s purse and dandelion greens. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Blanch the greens for about 15 seconds, just until they wilt slightly. Remove them quickly to avoid overcooking, which can diminish their crisp texture.
Step 2
Immediately plunge the blanched greens into a bowl of cold water. This rapid cooling stops the cooking process and helps retain their vibrant color and crispness.
Step 3
Gently squeeze out any excess water from the cooled greens using your hands and place them in a large mixing bowl. Set aside to prepare the seasoning mixture.
Step 4
In a separate small bowl, combine the Gochujang (1/2 Tbsp), Gochugaru (1/2 Tbsp), Vinegar (1 Tbsp), minced Garlic (1 tsp), Sesame Oil (1 tsp), Sugar (1/2 Tbsp), Maesil-cheong (1/2 Tbsp), toasted Sesame Seeds (1 tsp), and a pinch of Fish Sauce.
Step 5
Whisk all the seasoning ingredients together thoroughly until well combined, creating a flavorful dressing. Ensure all components are evenly distributed.
Step 6
If you don’t have Maesil-cheong, feel free to substitute with corn syrup or additional sugar to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
Step 7
Pour the prepared dressing over the greens in the large bowl. Gently toss and mix with your hands, ensuring the greens are evenly coated without crushing them. Your delicious Shepherd’s Purse and Dandelion Salad is now ready!
Step 8
The slightly bitter notes of the dandelion and the fresh flavor of the shepherd’s purse harmonize beautifully with the sweet, savory, and tangy dressing, creating an explosion of taste.
Step 9
Serve this salad alongside a bowl of warm white rice. Mixing it in will elevate your meal, making you sigh with pure culinary satisfaction.
