How to Cook Fiddlehead Ferns

Posted By Kimberly Turner on May 28, 2012 in Canadian Food Recipes, Cooking How-To Videos, Ethnic Foods, Fruit & Vegetables, Healthy, Side Dishes, Vegetarian | 0 comments

For a very short time, late in the Spring, you may be able to find fiddlehead ferns at your grocer or in your favorite produce market.

They are basically an edible fern sprout that is coiled and hasn’t actually opened up into a leaf yet.

Fiddleheads look like a coiled snail, almost, and taste like a cross between spinach and asparagus, to me anyway.

They are widely popular and used in Eastern Canada.

Fiddleheads are a known source of Omega 3 & 6, as well as being high in iron and fibre. However, not all ferns are created alike, as some varieties can be carcinogenic. So, if you’re searching for wild fiddleheads to eat, be sure and do your homework, or simply purchase them from a grocer to ensure they are an edible variety.

Type: Side Dish Recipe
Serve With: as a side dish with a meal with butter, salt & pepper
Prep Time: 4 mins
Cook Time: 6-8 mins
Yield: 3 servings

The ingredients & instructions are listed below the video for measurements & directions. Please enjoy the video below:

Ingredients:

~ 4 cups fiddlehead ferns – ends chopped, if necessary
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup white wine – optional
sea salt – to taste
freshly cracked black pepper – to taste

Instructions:

Rinse fresh fiddleheads under cold water in large strainer or colander.
Pre-heat a sauce pot with a lid with water, wine, 1 tbsp butter, salt and pepper to boil.
Chop ends off fiddleheads, if necessary.
Put fiddleheads in pot and allow to steam/boil on medium heat for approximately 6 minutes, or until fork tender.
Serve as a side dish with a great meal!

Enjoy this “delicacy” with this super easy recipe!

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I hope you enjoy this Canadian Food Recipe on Cooking with Kimberly. Until next time…

Eat Deliciously!