Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a rather hardy annual plant that grows by climbing walls or expanding on the ground. It produces beautiful yellow or orange flowers that can be used in the kitchen along with the leaves and seeds.
Ingrediants
For all methods
Nasturtium flowers, leaves, or seeds that have not been treated with chemicals
For the omelette:
1 serving
- 50 g of snow peas
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of milk
- 2 nasturtium seeds
- 2 young nasturtium leaves
- The petals of 4 nasturtium flowers
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of butter
- Grated Parmesan, to taste
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Preparation
Step 1. All parts of the nasturtium are suitable for use in the kitchen
Leaves, seeds and flowers are all edible. The flavor of the flowers is similar to that of mustard, but slightly sweeter.
The nasturtium flowers should be picked as soon as they bloom. In the kitchen it is better to use smaller ones, while large ones can serve as decoration. Alternatively, large flowers can be chopped by hand or minced with a knife
Method 2 of 7: Using Nasturtium in a Salad
Step 1. Use nasturtium leaves in a salad
The leaves have a spicy and peppery taste; you can chop them and add them to other salad greens.
Nasturtium leaves are the ideal substitute for watercress
Step 2. Color your salads with nasturtium flowers
The flowers of the nasturtium plant are a beautiful bright yellow or orange color. They bring liveliness and flavor to salads.
Method 3 of 7: Using Nasturtium as a Substitute for Capers
Step 1. Use the green pods that contain the nasturtium seeds to replace the capers
They can take the place of capers for example on pizza or in salads. Feel free to use nasturtium seed pods in any recipes where capers are required.
You can pickle the nasturtium pods to make them look even more like capers
Method 4 of 7: Using Nasturtium in Toppings
Step 1. Use a combination of leaves and seeds
Blend them both together with butter or spreadable cheese to add a spicy note.
Step 2. Nasturtium flower leaves and petals are perfect for adding to salad dressing
Chop them with a knife and add them to a vinaigrette, for example. You can also use both of them to flavor oil or vinegar.
Method 5 of 7: Use the Nasturtium as a Decoration
Step 1. Use nasturtium flowers to decorate both sweet and savory dishes
Nasturtium flowers will add a touch of elegance to dishes. Use them for example:
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To make breakfast colorful;
A flowery breakfast -
To make the aperitif more inviting;
Deviled eggs -
As a decoration for the appetizer;
19 hoja -
To give more flavor to a first course;
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To create an interesting contrast with the sweet ingredients of the dessert.
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Method 6 of 7: Stuffed Nasturtium
This recipe is a great idea of finger food for tea or aperitif time.
Step 1. Select the largest flowers in good condition
The visual impact will be greater if you have the possibility to use flowers of different shades.
Step 2. Choose a suitable filling
You can use a cream cheese or a sauce, such as guacamole.
Step 3. Stuff the nasturtium flowers
Use a small spoon and fill them 3/4 full. Wrap the petals around the filling very gently; being sticky it should allow the petals to stick together.
Step 4. Serve the stuffed flowers on toast or crackers
They will create a contrast in textures and act as a base for the flower so that it can be eaten more easily. You can also use cookies if it is a sweet filling.
- You can create an alternative base for the flowers with cucumber or bell pepper slices or celery stalks.
- If you prefer to serve the stuffed flowers yourself, you can use finger food spoons.
Method 7 of 7: Using Nasturtium in an Omelette
Step 1. Cut the snow peas into small pieces
Boil them in boiling water for 4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Step 2. Break the eggs into a bowl
Beat them with the milk.
Step 3. Break the nasturtium seeds using the back of a fork
Add them to the milk and egg mixture. Also include nasturtium petals and leaves.
Step 4. Season the mixture with salt and pepper
Step 5. Put the butter in the pan
Let it melt over low heat.
Step 6. Pour the mixture into the pan
Also add the snow peas and mix briefly. Simmer the omelette until the eggs have set.
Step 7. Serve the omelette
Sprinkle it with grated Parmesan cheese and decorate it with the petals of the nasturtium flowers before serving.
Advice
- Among the many delicacies where you can include nasturtium petals and leaves, are pancakes.
- You can mitigate the spiciness of the nasturtium and balance its flavor in the salad by using sugar, honey, syrup or fruit juice which will add a subtle sweet note.
- Nasturtium leaves are a delicious complement to the typical cucumber sandwiches with which the British accompany afternoon tea.
