Springtime is coming to an end, and I couldn't let it pass without tasting another delicacy of nature. Cow Parsley, a wild plant rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, magnesium, and iron.
It has a similar flavour profile to parsley, the leaves are edible and can be used in various culinary preparations, including soups, salads, and as a garnish. It has a fresh, herbaceous taste with hints of anise and carrot.
On a bright day, with the sun shining down, I was inspired to venture into the nearby woods armed with scissors and a basket. I walked carefree under the sun, eagerly anticipating the creation of a delightful soup and the pleasure of tasting it.
The sight that greeted me was awe-inspiring—a lush woodland abundant with Cow Parsley!
Everywhere I turned, delicate white flowers, resembling lacy umbels, adorned the landscape, earning it the name Queen Anne's lace.
Being surrounded by these delicate white flowers was a wonderful experience, as I tried to pluck the younger leaves.
Back home, I made a simple and exquisite soup that also tasted delicious. The creamy texture, combined with the herbaceous flavor of parsley and the subtle notes reminiscent of carrots, created an exquisite taste that nature freely offers.
With every spoonful, I felt blessed, as the taste drew me closer to the wonders of nature.
Here's how ...
Ingredients:
1 large bunch of cow parsley (about 200g)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (optional)
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Start by cleaning the cow parsley thoroughly.
Remove any tough stems and separate the leaves from the stems. Discard any discolored or wilted leaves.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir well. Cook for a few minutes to allow the potatoes to soften slightly.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Meanwhile, finely chop the cow parsley leaves and set them aside.
Once the potatoes are cooked, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor to puree until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
Return the pureed soup to the pot, and add the chopped cow parsley leaves. Stir well and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
If desired, you can add the heavy cream at this stage to make the soup richer and creamier. Stir it in gently and let the soup heat through.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve the cow parsley soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley leaves if desired. You can also pair it with crusty bread or croutons for added texture.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious cow parsley soup!
Mariah 🌿💚
What is Cow Parsley?
Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), also known as wild chervil or Queen Anne's lace, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to Europe.
It is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant that typically grows during the spring and early summer months.
Appearance: Cow parsley has tall, slender stems that can reach heights of 1 to 2 meters. The stems are hollow, round with furrows, usually have fine hairs.
The leaves are divided into multiple segments, giving them a fern-like or feathery appearance.
Flowers: Cow parsley produces small white flowers arranged in umbrella-shaped clusters called umbels. These umbels consist of numerous individual flowers that have five petals. The flowers typically bloom in spring and early summer.
Scent: When crushed or rubbed, cow parsley leaves emit a mild, herbaceous fragrance.
Habitat: Cow parsley is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, woodland edges, and along roadsides. It prefers moist, fertile soil and thrives in areas with partial shade.
Nutritional Value of Cow Parsley:
Cow parsley is rich in various nutrients, including:
Vitamins: It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamin A is essential for eye health and immune function, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and supports the immune system, and vitamin K is involved in blood clotting and bone health.
Minerals: Cow parsley contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals play important roles in various bodily functions, including nerve function, bone health, and oxygen transport.
Dietary Fiber: It contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Potential Benefits of Cow Parsley:
While research on the specific benefits of cow parsley is limited, some potential advantages associated with its consumption include:
Antioxidant Properties: Like many other green plants, cow parsley contains antioxidants that can help protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Certain compounds found in cow parsley may possess anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially benefit individuals with inflammatory conditions.
Digestive Support: The dietary fiber content in cow parsley can support healthy digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and maintaining gut health.
Nutrient Density: Cow parsley is nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a range of essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall hea
Beware of look-alikes: While cow parsley is generally safe for consumption, it can be mistaken for similar-looking plants that are poisonous, such as hemlock (Conium maculatum). It's important to be absolutely certain of the plant's identification before using it for any culinary or medicinal purposes.
Below is a good website for comparison between Hemlock and Cow parsley.
100% correct identification is a must as the similar looking plant is very poisonous, if you are not sure DO NOT EAT!
I hope you liked the information.
Mariah 🍃💚
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