July is the month of flowers in my garden. Overnight everything bursts into bloom. Salads, ice water, and desserts all become the perfect culinary canvas upon which to apply a bit of color. This flower filled and topped meal features several edible varieties. It is best to use fresh blossoms rather than dried.
Gluten and Dairy free Crustless Quiche/Frittata
Preheat oven to 350.
Bring to boil 2 cups of water and cook 1 cup of dried lentils. Cook for 20 minutes until just done. Meanwhile pick your flowers and….
To a blender add…..
1/2 cup of whole cashews (not roasted or salted)
6 eggs
1/2 cup of milk/substitute
Blend until smooth and there are no visible cashew pieces.
Finely chop 1/2 an onion and saute until soft
Grease a glass pie pan.
Thinly slice 1-2 red potatoes. Lay then out closely on the bottom of the pan one layer deep. Add the onions.
Scatter 1/2 cup of the cooked brown lentils on top.
Sprinkle a selection of small edible flowers (arugula, mustard, chive, sage, chopped dandelion, calendula petals, chamomile, or violets.
Top that with 2 TBSp finely chopped basil or nasturtium leaves.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Grate 1/2 cup of American cheese or substitute on top. I like the Follow Your Heart brand as it melts well and does not contain soy or corn.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, until the top is set and does not wobble.
Once cooled, as a garnish arrange larger/whole edible flowers arranged in a mandala or “picture” (nasturtiums, malva, red clover, marshmallow, leek, pansies, etc.) for decoration. Eat immediately . Serves four people.
There is a hint of sweetness in this pie. It comes from chamomile that just almost smells of apple.
Matricaria reduces inflammation, clearing toxins and heat. Chamomile has a history of being used as a sedative for insomnia and anxiety. It is very well suited for restless, nervous and hyperactive kids. A weak tea has been used to support cranky, teething, and colicky babies or reduce nightmares and bedwetting in children. A study shows that this herb acts on the smooth muscle of the intestines and uterus, helping them relax and stop spasming/cramping. The flowers of this plant have been used to treat ulcers, gas, heartburn, morning sickness, IBS, indigestion, diarrhea and other digestive upsets. Herbalists use this plant for menstrual pain and migraines related to PMS/hormone shifts. It is thought that chamomile can reduce the pain of rheumatism, sciatica, and lumbago. Inhaling the stream from an infusion clears phlegm and may reduce the symptoms of asthma.
Contraindications-avoid large doses in pregnancy. Do not use if you are allergic to ragweed or other members of the daisy/aster family.
Have you ever used chamomile in a meal? What was the recipe?
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 