How to Cook Lambs Quarters

Lamb's quarters, sometimes known as pigweed, is a common herb which grows wild in many parts of the United States. The leaves of the plant can be cooked and eaten in a variety of ways including steaming and sautéing. Steaming will produce the most tender and flavorful greens, and is the recommended method of preparation.

Things You'll Need

• 2 lbs. lamb's quarters leaves Heavy saucepan 3 green onions Fresh basil Unsalted butter Hazelnuts (optional) Salt Ground black pepper Lemon juice (optional) Serving dishes

Instructions

1. Add 2 lbs. of fresh lamb's quarters leaves to a large, heavy saucepan. Chop three fresh, green onions and add them to the pan. Stir to combine the two ingredients.

2. Pour approximately 1/3 cup of water over the top of the lamb's quarters and onions. Place the pan on the stove over medium heat and cover. Steam the mixture for 10 to 12 minutes without removing the lid.

3. Drain the water from the pan and add ½ cup fresh basil. Stir to combine, and then add approximately 2 tbsp. unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and then toss to mix thoroughly.

4. Add 2/3 cup chopped hazelnuts to the cooked lamb's quarters, if desired. Season the greens with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavor, if desired.

5. Divide the lamb's quarters between four to six serving dishes and serve hot as a side dish. Serve as a main dish for two to three people with cooked bacon and fried bread on the side. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving again.

Tips & Warnings

• Toasted almonds may be used in place of hazelnuts, if desired, or the nuts may be left out of the recipe all together. Any of the ingredients may be substituted or left out of the recipe, if necessary. Lamb's quarters may be eaten steamed by itself with whatever seasonings are on hand. However, the green onion, basil, butter, and nuts will best enhance and complement the flavor of the dish.

References

• Fairfax County Public Schools Ecology -- Lamb's Quarters
• Book: The Rocky Mountain Wild Foods Cookbook; Darcy Williamson; 1995