Saute Those Fiddlehead Ferns

Discover the earthy elegance of spring with "Sauté Those Fiddlehead Ferns," a quick and flavorful recipe that highlights the unique charm of these seasonal delicacies. Tender fiddlehead ferns are first blanched to preserve their vibrant green color and crisp texture, then sautéed to perfection in a luscious blend of butter and olive oil. Aromatic garlic and shallots add depth, while freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens every bite. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is the optional finishing touch that elevates this dish into a gourmet experience. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect as a spring-inspired side dish or light appetizer. Perfect for those searching for seasonal recipes, fiddlehead fern cooking ideas, or sautéed vegetable dishes, this is a celebration of fresh, foraged flavors!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams fiddlehead ferns
• 1 liter water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 piece shallot, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Thoroughly rinse the fiddlehead ferns under cold running water to remove any grit or dirt. Trim the brown ends and discard any fronds that appear mushy or overly dry.

Step 2

Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.

Step 3

Blanch the fiddlehead ferns by adding them to the boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and let the butter melt completely.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened, being careful not to let them burn.

Step 6

Add the blanched fiddlehead ferns to the skillet. Toss to coat them in the butter mixture and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly golden on the edges.

Step 7

Season with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt to taste. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and stir to combine.

Step 8

If using, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the fiddlehead ferns just before serving for an optional savory finish.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish or as a light appetizer. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1627.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	587.3

Total Fat 41.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 73.8mg	0%
Sodium 2699.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 38.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.1g	0%
Total Sugars 2.9g
Protein 28.4g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 364.5mg	0%
Iron 7.3mg	0%
Potassium 1994.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.5%

Protein: 17.6%

Carbs: 23.9%