While dandelion greens have only recently become popular in the United States, they have long been an essential ingredient in Lebanese cuisine. Each spring in Mama's garden I can hardly wait to see these gorgeous greens arrive. The minute they sprout in her garden, Mama knows to tell me, and we pick and prepare them that very day. Although Hindbeh is a side dish, my family and I often enjoy it as a main course simply scooped up with some warm Arabic bread, such as Khebez Arabi. Sautéed with sweet Vidalia onions, olive oil, and salt, Hindbeh is a must-make, quick side that is especially good with soups like Kibbet Raheb, my lemony lentil and swiss chard soup, egg dishes like my herb omelet Ejjeh, and Bayd b Halyoun, an asparagus and egg scramble.

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MAKES 6 SERVINGS

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1/2 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

2 bunches fresh dandelion greens, thoroughly washed, stemmed,

and coarsely chopped into 2-inch pieces

1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 large Vidalia onion, thinly sliced into half-moons

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In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and the 1/2 tablespoon of the salt to a boil. Add the chopped greens to the boiling water, pushing them down so they are fully submerged. Boil the greens, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, making sure to periodically push them down so they blanch evenly. While they are cooking, fill a large mixing bowl with ice cubes and cold water. 

After about 15 to 20 minutes, test the tenderness of the greens by rubbing a stem or two between your fingers. If they are slightly squishy, then they are cooked.

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Immediately remove the greens from the heat, drain, and transfer to the ice-water bath to stop the cooking process and set the color.

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While the greens are cooling, combine the 1/3 cup of the olive oil and onion slices in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and sauté, stirring occasionally, until caramelized to a golden-brown color, 10 to 12 minutes; do not burn. 

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When the onions have caramelized, reduce the heat to low. Drain the cooled greens in a colander, and squeeze as much excess water as possible with your hands. Add the blanched greens to the sauté pan, pulling apart small clumps with your hands. Stir into the caramelized onions to combine, season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and sauté until the greens are heated through. Taste, and add additional seasonings as needed. 

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Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and serve warm, at room temperature or cold.

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TABOULIE TIP! Boiling the dandelions removes the bitterness and tenderizes the greens.

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Copyright 2017 by Julie Ann Sageer in Julie Taboulie’s Lebanese Kitchen, St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin’s Griffin. All Rights Reserved.

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