Fiddlehead Fern Saute : An Easy Fiddleheads Recipe
Those of you familiar with eating fiddleheads, were completely unphased by the title of this post. The uninitiated among you, most likely said "Huh, what the heck weird stuff is she trying to convince me to eat now".
The weird stuff is Fiddlehead fern fronds. Trust me they are not really all that strange, and have been popular culinary fare for centuries in Asia and the Northern regions of France. Here in New England they are an old Yankee staple. Forgotten by the "city folk", but still popular in rural Northern New England and adjoining Canada.
Pickled fiddleheads are popular in the area of Vermont friends of mine had a vacation house. I rarely went up there without returning home with a few jars. Although I do prefer them fresh, the season for fiddlehead ferns is quite short. You have the catch them shortly after they emerge from the soil... hence, pickled is the best you can get most of the year. This is why I was both surprised and pleased to find fiddlehead fern fronds at my local Whole Foods a few days ago. It is a little late in the season, these must have come from way up in the chilly north.
If you enjoy asparagus, you are highly likely to enjoy fiddlehead fronds as well (perhaps even better). When you see these in your local grocer, don't be shy, they are not difficult to cook at all. Just keep in mind that the fern fronds cook quicker and are a bit more delicate in texture than asparagus. One of my favorite ways to cook them is teamed with shrimp in a scampi sauce over pasta, but today, I decided to share a very easy fiddleheads recipe, that I make sometimes . It is a simple fiddlehead fern saute.
Fiddlehead Fern Saute
Ingredients
- 1 lb Fiddlehead Fern
- 1 ½ tbs butter
- 1 -2 clove garlic crushed/minced
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh lemon thyme standard thyme will do if that is all you have available
- 2 tbs chicken stock or 2 tbs white wine and ¼ teaspoon of Kosher salt
Instructions
- Rinse the ferns and trim off browned ends.
- Place skillet over medium heat. Melt butter, then add the garlic and ferns. Saute until garlic is cooked through.
- Add wine or stock, cover and cook ferns for 6-7 minutes, until tender, but not completely limp.
- Serve as a side as is, or with a light squeeze of lemon.
Nutrition
Grilling Guy says
I saw these in the store last month and didn't know what they were. I'll get some next time.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I've never heard of Fiddlehead Ferns, but I have to admit that I'm intrigued.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
Those look a bit weird. I've never heard of them before. I like asparagus, so I'm guessing I should like these.
Jenn says
I was among the uninitiated, but who am I to judge? We eat collard greens down South and most people have never heard of those.
Donna says
I'm not familiar with fiddlehead fern. What is it similar too? I love all greens, so I'd probably love these, too.
Tammy says
I had no idea what these were. I don't think I'd be able to convince my family to eat these!
Liz says
I love ya girl, but no. Just no.
Liz says
Well maybe, but those are wacky looking!
Robin Gagnon says
Next spring you will see them... and your curious nature will overtake you. Muhahaha
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
Those look interesting. I probably won't eat them but they look interesting.
Lolo says
I would have never thought to eat a fern!
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
I saw these at the grocery store last weekend. 🙂 Every time I see them, I'm curious, but I don't buy them because I have no idea what to do with them! Well, now I do...
Maryann says
that is something I have wanted to try for a long time, but we just don't get them around here. Or at least i have never seen them. Maybe the farmers keep them for themselves.
Robin Gagnon says
I have gotten them at both Whole Foods and Stop n' Shop (a Giant affiliated store).
Marcie W. says
I've never tried them but I totally would!
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
Oh my gosh, look at those! I would totally try them!
nicole @nicky_olea says
Those are quite possibly the coolest vegetable I've seen in a while. I've never - ever heard/seen these before...cool!
Kathleen says
I never ever knew you could eat ferns. It is definitely interesting, but not sure I am brave enough to try it LOL.
LyndaS says
I have never seen and had never heard of those. Very interesting...
Mellisa says
I have never heard of these before and I will admit they look a little weird but hey I am willing to give anything a try.
Angela says
I have never heard of this and honestly don't think I could get past the way it looks to eat it. I'll just have to take your word on this one. 🙂
Robin Gagnon says
Fair enough...lol
Jenn- The Rebel Chick says
I have never heard of Fiddle Ferns but they look so pretty lol
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV says
I would totally try these! I love asparagus!
Shell Feis says
I have never even seen those before but it sounds like I'd like them, I love asparagus!
Colleen says
I'm one of the ones that went "HUH?" LOL but love the photo don't know if I would try them though.
HilLesha says
They sort of look like snails. 🙂
Robin Gagnon says
I've always thought that myself.
Elaina- @atimeout4mommy says
I have never heard of or tried these! How cute though! I wonder if I can get my daughter to eat them!
Lisa says
This looks pretty interesting!