Saskatchewan

Cookbook author gives tips on how to make dandelions for dinner

Habeeb Salloum, author of Arab Cooking on a Saskatchewan Homestead, gives tips on how to turn those pests in your yard into a delicious dandelion and lentil soup.

Habeeb Salloum is turning dandelions from pest into produce

Dandelions have taken up residence in yards and ditches all over the province. Some people spray them, others spend hours and hours digging them out. However, one Saskatchewan chef offers a different suggestion. 

Habeeb Salloum, author of Arab Cooking on a Saskatchewan HomesteadI, said "it saves you digging them out and throwing them in the garbage, it's good for the environment, and it's good for your health."

Salloum said spring is the best time to eat dandelion leaves because they have a pleasantly bitter taste and suggested they be used in place of spinach.

Habeen Salloum's recipe for dandelion and lentil soup 

1 cup lentils, rinsed
9 cups water
4 tablespoons cooking oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 small hot pepper, finely chopped
4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
1 bunch dandelion (about 1 pound) thoroughly washed and chopped
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin

Place the lentils and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, then cook over medium heat for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a frying pan and sauté onions, garlic and hot pepper over medium to low heat for 10 minutes. Add the frying pan content to the lentils, then stir in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, then serve hot. 

Serves 10-12.