Nestled amongst the weeds, purslane has been hiding its culinary charm from us for far too long. This herbaceous plant may look like a pest to some, but it’s actually a treasure trove of flavors and health benefits waiting to be discovered.
Not only is it edible, but it’s also incredibly easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance compared to other garden veggies. In fact, its adaptability has earned purslane the nickname ‘the weed that refuses to be killed’.
Steamed Purslane
Finding yourself new to purslane can be a bit daunting, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. A great place to start is with a simple recipe like steamed purslane. This allows you to get accustomed to its unique flavor profile, which shares some similarities with spinach and requires minimal effort to prepare. To cook it, simply sauté the leaves with some garlic until they’re tender, keeping an eye on them as this process shouldn’t take long.
Once cooked through, give it a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to elevate its taste.
Tomato, Cucumber, and Purslane Salad
Essentially, this Mexican salad showcases the versatility of purslane, also known as verdolaga in Mexico, where it’s a staple ingredient used in various dishes, including salads like this one.
Sicilian Purslane Salad
Varying in its uses across cultures, purslane is not only a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine but also a common sight on Italian plates. The Sicilian method of preparing this wild and rustic green involves tossing it with a medley of cherry tomatoes, capers, olive oil, and vinegar to create a refreshing salad that showcases the unique qualities of its leaves.
Purslane Chimichurri
Looking for a way to add some excitement to your sauces? Why not try something different like purslane chimichurri? This Argentinean condiment gets its unique flavor from the addition of purslane, which adds a tangy, lemony, and slightly peppery taste. The result is a garlicky, vinegary sauce that’s perfect for topping a variety of dishes, including grilled meats like flank steak, salmon, or even burgers. Experiment with different combinations to find your new favorite way to flavor your food.
Sautéed Purslane
Considering a nutritious veggie side dish? Look no further than purslane! This underrated gem packs a punch of vitamins A and C, not to mention a host of other essential nutrients. Simply sauté it with some minced garlic and a drizzle of soy sauce until the leaves and stems are tender enough to pierce with a fork. As an added bonus, the garlic will also kickstart your immune system, giving you an extra layer of protection against illness.
Purslane Dip
Undoubtedly, purslane is often associated with more familiar greens like spinach and watercress. This comparison isn’t coincidental; both purslane and its counterparts are packed with nutrients, making them excellent choices for salads, dips, and other savory dishes. Consequently, you can confidently use purslane as a substitute in a wide range of recipes that call for spinach or watercress.
In fact, this versatile herb is an ideal addition to many popular appetizers, such as the classic spinach and artichoke dip. A variation made with garlicky yogurt, dill, and purslane not only elevates the flavor profile but also provides a unique way to introduce friends to this often-underappreciated ingredient. Whether used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, or as a flavorful component in various dishes, purslane is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Pickled Purslane
Fresh from your garden or market, purslane can be easily preserved through pickling, a fun and creative way to extend its shelf life. For those unfamiliar, pickling is an excellent method for preserving food using ingredients like vinegar, salt, and spices, making it perfect for unusual herbs like purslane. First things first, give the purslane a good rinse under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris, then transfer it to a clean glass jar with the brine mixture.
Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for 2-3 days to allow the flavors to meld together and the purslane to absorb all the delicious flavors of the brine.
Corn Salad with Purslane
Just as I was experimenting with various purslane recipes, my mind started wandering to a revitalizing Mexican salad that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This delicious creation is infused with an array of seasonal ingredients like succulent tomatoes, sweet corn, and crunchy cucumber, carefully balanced by the subtle addition of purslane, ensuring it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
A delicate dressing consisting of a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a drizzle of olive oil adds just the right amount of moisture without weighing down the salad.
Pork Chops with Purslane
Zeroing in on the flavors, this recipe transforms pork chops and purslane into a heartwarming Mexican dish reminiscent of homemade cooking. The succulent pork chops are smothered in a rich tomatillo sauce, allowing them to absorb its deep, slightly sweet flavor. Meanwhile, the purslane is gently simmered alongside, infusing the dish with a fresh, herbal note that perfectly complements the savory pork.
And no homestyle meal would be complete without a side of fluffy rice and beans, providing a comforting contrast to the bold flavors of the main course.
Purslane Pockets (Lebanese Bakleh)
Unlock the culinary potential of purslane by transforming it into a mouth-watering Lebanese hand pie, where Bakleh, meaning purslane in Arabic, takes center stage. The inside of these flaky pockets is packed with a flavorful mixture of purslane and onion, lavished in pomegranate molasses and aromatic spices. What’s more, this recipe requires store-bought pastry, making it an effortless treat to prepare. To give them an extra touch, use dairy-free puff pastry, and voilà!
Your hand pies are now also vegan-friendly.
Spaghetti with Winter Purslane Pesto
Ditching traditional basil for purslane is a refreshing twist on classic pesto. The unique salty and sour flavors of purslane pair perfectly with the rich and creamy texture typically associated with pesto. To prepare this recipe, take a cue from the past by grinding the ingredients together in a mortar and pestle – although a blender or food processor will also yield excellent results if you don’t have one on hand.
While the purslane is being prepared, cook your pasta according to package instructions, making it easy to whip up a quick and delicious dinner that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Purslane Pizza
Juxtapose the idea of using purslane as a pizza topping with its earthy, slightly bitter taste, and you might be surprised at how well it pairs with classic ingredients. The flavor profile of cooked purslane is reminiscent of spinach, making it an excellent substitute in dishes like this one. Imagine a combination of savory tomato sauce, creamy goat cheese, and the subtle tang of purslane – it’s a match made in heaven! I’m excited to try out this unique topping at our next pizza night.
Verdolagas (Purslane in Salsa Verde)
Hailing from traditional Mexican cuisine, this recipe offers a refreshing twist on classic dishes. Typically loaded with cheese or pork, it subverts expectations by bursting with an array of fresh vegetables. This vibrant vegetarian creation combines the earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms and potatoes with the tangy zing of purslane, all enveloped in a rich homemade salsa verde that adds depth without overpowering its delicate components.
Purslane Herb Salad
Versatile as Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine often is, this herb salad offers an excellent addition to it, combining four different types of herbs alongside the invigorating purslane. The freshness and healthiness of the dish are further enhanced by the subtle tanginess provided by the apple cider vinegar, making each bite a delightful experience.
Whether you prefer to indulge in the flavors with crunchy pita chips or pair it with a protein for a more satisfying meal, this herb salad is sure to please your taste buds.
Purslane and Avocado Tacos with Pico de Gallo
Rest assured that this dish is a flavor bomb just waiting to happen. The main attraction is sautéed purslane, which provides a delicious and unique twist on traditional tacos. While the purslane takes center stage, I must confess that the addition of cotija cheese elevates the entire experience to new heights. That being said, you can easily make this recipe vegan by skipping the cheese altogether and relying on the natural flavors of the purslane and other ingredients instead.
Wild Greek Salad with Purslane, Stonecrop, and Grape Tendrils
Zero in on the thrill of foraging for wild edibles! If you’re an avid forager like me, this stunning wild salad is a perfect way to showcase your bounty. A delicate bed of succulent purslane leaves provides the foundation for a flavorful medley of Mediterranean delights, including salty kalamata olives, crunchy cucumber slices, and fragrant grape tendrils. The tangy zip of feta cheese adds richness, while a hint of stonecrop, with its subtle peppery finish, elevates this dish to new heights.
Cream of Purslane, Avocado, and Lime Soup
Light and revitalizing, this zesty summer treat is a perfect blend of healthy and fresh ingredients. Loved by many for its invigorating qualities, this bowl is typically served chilled, much like gazpacho, making it an incredibly refreshing choice on a warm day. I’ve found that it not only quenches my thirst but also provides a satisfying fullness without leaving me feeling weighed down or sluggish.
Fattoush Salad
Everyone’s favorite Middle Eastern salad is, without a doubt, Fattoush. I’m particularly fond of it because it provides an excellent way to utilize purslane in a dish. The combination of sweet pomegranate molasses and fresh mint adds a delightful depth to the flavors. Although traditional recipes call for Lebanese flatbread, feel free to repurpose any day-old bread you have on hand as a substitute.
Kulfa Dal
Among the numerous variations of Indian dal dishes, Kulfa dal stands out for its unique combination of legumes and purslane. Aromatic spice blends are characteristic of all dal versions, but what sets Kulfa apart is the way it elevates a few humble ingredients into a richly flavored dish. Serving a flatbread or naan alongside is essential, as you’ll likely want to mop up every last morsel.
