Dandelion Casserole: A Savory Spring Delight
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 38 minutes
Total Time: 53 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6
Category: Greens
Keywords: Vegetable, Meat, European, Spring, Spicy, Savory, < 60 Mins, Oven
Description
This Dandelion Casserole, while seemingly packed with greens, cooks down beautifully to create a rich and flavorful dish. If dandelion greens aren’t to your taste, feel free to substitute with fresh spinach for a milder flavor. The addition of hot sausage gives this casserole a delightful kick, but you can easily swap it for mild sausage or ground beef to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked pasta | 1 |
| Hot sausage | 1/2 |
| Chopped beef | 1 |
| Fresh parsley | 1 |
| Onions | 2 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Egg | 1 |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup |
| Dried basil | 1/4 tsp |
| Dried marjoram | 1/4 tsp |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 919.5 |
| Total Fat | 70.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 28.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 136.6 mg |
| Sodium | 1926.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 50.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugars | 8.7 g |
| Protein | 23.5 g |
Instructions
-
Blanch the Greens: Begin by blanching the dandelion greens in boiling water for approximately 3 minutes. Once done, drain them well and set aside to cool.
-
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the hot sausage and chopped beef together with the onions and minced garlic. Once the meats are fully cooked and browned, stir in the bread crumbs, chopped parsley, dried basil, dried marjoram, salt, and pepper. Mix in the egg and milk until everything is thoroughly combined.
-
Squeeze the Greens: After the greens have cooled slightly, squeeze out any excess moisture, ensuring they are as dry as possible to prevent a watery casserole.
-
Layer the Casserole: In a well-buttered casserole dish, start layering the ingredients. Begin with a layer of the squeezed dandelion greens, followed by a layer of the cooked pasta, then a layer of the meat mixture, and finally a layer of tomato sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of tomato sauce.
-
Add Cheese and Bake: Top the casserole with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
-
Serve and Garnish: Once out of the oven, garnish the casserole with hot pepper flakes for an extra kick and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve it warm with slices of crisp, fresh bread for a delightful meal that embodies the flavors of spring.
Enjoy this hearty Dandelion Casserole, a perfect balance of spice and savory goodness that celebrates seasonal greens!
