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Flavorful Sautéed Fiddlehead Ferns with Garlic Butter

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A quick and easy sautéed fiddlehead ferns recipe with garlic butter that balances tender-crisp texture and bold flavors, perfect for spring meals and beginners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) fiddlehead ferns, cleaned and trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt (preferably kosher or sea salt)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound (450g) of fiddlehead ferns under cold running water. Remove any brown papery husks or tough ends. Trim off about ½ inch from the stem ends.
  2. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fiddleheads and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain immediately in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Let them drain thoroughly for about 2 minutes.
  3. Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent the butter from burning and keep a silky texture. Cook 3 minced garlic cloves for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the blanched fiddleheads to the skillet. Toss gently with tongs to coat them in the garlic butter. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Turn off the heat and squeeze 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice over the fiddleheads. Toss once more to combine flavors.
  6. Transfer to a serving bowl or plate and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcook fiddleheads to avoid mushy texture and dull color. Blanching is essential to remove bitterness and potential toxins. Use medium heat to prevent butter from burning. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil and lemon juice with apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: fiddlehead ferns, garlic butter, sautéed fiddleheads, spring recipe, easy side dish, wild greens, quick recipe

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/flavorful-saut-e-ed-fiddlehead-ferns-with-garlic-butter-easy-recipe-for-beginners/