The Delicious Dandelion
Level up your dinner with this unforgettable dandelion pizza recipe!
Amazing Health benefits of Dandelions
Part of the Daisy family, this flower is NOT a weed. It’s a fully edible plant with plenty of nutrients and therapeutic properties. We have been able to cut down on our grocery bill since introducing dandelion greens into our diet, they taste like Arugula - no need to buy lettuce anymore! These greens are free, sustainable, abundant and contain a surprisingly long list of nutrients. Here are just a few of the benefits…
Diuretic & Blood cleansing
Eating dandelion greens has a diuretic effect, meaning that urine production increases as toxic buildup from the liver & kidney’s is gently removed from the body. Fluid balance normalizes, blood pressure decreases and your body is healthier and happier!
All parts of the plant have been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a liver stimulant and bile cleanser. Dandelion greens are rich in potassium, unlike other diuretics which usually offset potassium balance.
Anti-inflammatory
Dandelions contain phenolic compounds which combat free radicals and inflammation throughout the body. An extract from the greens has shown anti-inflammatory benefits in the blood vessels, helping to prevent arteriosclerosis.
Great for building strong bones
Dandelions are high in several key vitamins & minerals that can help reverse osteoporosis and maintain bone health including magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C and especially vitamin K. A deficiency of vitamin K is often associated with bone fractures; this vitamin plays a key role in bone & blood formation and is essential in ensuring the proper uptake of calcium.
Digestive & weight loss
Increased protein absorption, increased carbohydrate breakdown and a boosted metabolism are all benefits of consuming dandelion. The great source of fibre helps balance the gut microbiome, which benefits the immune system, nervous system, etc. Dandelion promotes bile and enzyme secretion, this improves the proper digestion & absorption of nutrients.
Relieve menstrual cramps
Dandelions contain sesquiterpene lactones which can help lower inflammation. The diuretic properties prevent fluid retention which can decrease the severity of cramps and bloating. Dandelion leaves contain plant compounds that mimic estrogen, phyto-estrogens, which may help balance hormones and reduce menstrual discomfort.
Boost cognitive function
Dandelions contain choline, a compound that helps produce acetylcholine - the neurotransmitter which supports memory and cognition. Due to the antioxidant properties and high vitamin & mineral content, eating these greens can boost mood, support healthy cognition and possibly help prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
Decrease Blood pressure & blood sugar
Diets rich in potassium can help lower blood pressure. Not only do dandelions offer a hefty serving of potassium, they also contain complex carbohydrates which can help normalize blood sugar levels.
Homemade Dandelion Pizza Recipe
I am playing in the kitchen constantly. This pizza recipe is like an upgraded version for one I released a while ago (Spicy Peach Sunflower Butter Pizza). Upgraded because the crust is much easier to work with here, and it tastes better.
Back then I didn’t even know dandelions were edible. Now, we use both the leaves and flowers everyday in salads, stews, etc.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet ( or pizza stone)
- Cutting board, knife
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowl
- Long “casserole” style baking dishes or pie plates ( for making the sauce)
Crust
3 green unripe bananas
2 Tbs ground flax seeds
4 Tbs millet flour
water (or another liquid)
salt& pepper
Peel the bananas and cut into small pieces. Blend the pieces in your blender with a splash of water until smooth, adding more water as necessary while being careful to add the least amount as possible.
Once smooth, pour the banana mixture into a mixing bowl and add the flax, millet flour, salt & pepper. Mix well. It will be pretty runny, don’t worry. It firms up in the oven.
Pour evenly onto a preheated greased cast iron pan or pizza stone. Use a large spoon to spread the crust as evenly as possible.
Bake at 350F for 10-15 minutes and remove from oven.
Sauce
My homemade pizza sauce recipe is very simple, but it does take some time. It’s best to make in advance and have it ready to go for pizza assembling day. Find the recipe here.
Dandelion Greens
Go out and pick some greens, taking care to ensure that the areas you pick from have not been treated with anything. Clean off and finely chop about 4 cups of dandelion greens and saute in a cast iron skillet with some chopped onion. Set aside.
Assemble the pizza
Once the crust has cooled slightly add a desired amount of sauce on top and sprinkle on the cooked dandelion greens, olives, peppers, fresh oregano, dandelion flowers and any other ingredients you want. I like to finish off the toppings with some sesame or almond pulp (leftover from when I make nut milks), it gives the texture of crumbly cheese.
Place the pizza back into the oven and broil at 400 F for 8-10 minutes.
Serve immediately.
Enjoy!
