
Spring Greens and Dandelion Soup is a traditional, earthy, and nutrient-dense broth-based soup made from a variety of young, tender spring greens, with dandelion leaves being a key ingredient. Typically originating from European and American folk cooking, it often includes other foraged or garden-fresh greens like spinach, kale, or nettles, and is seasoned with simple aromatics like onion, garlic, and sometimes a splash of vinegar or lemon. It celebrates the first harvest of the season and is a classic way to utilize wild edible plants.
This soup is very low in fat and carbohydrates, making it a light yet nutrient-rich dish. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium, with a typical serving containing roughly 50-80 calories.
| Calories | 65 kcal |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 300% DV |
| Vitamin C | 35% DV |
| Vitamin K | 400% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 10% DV |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Magnesium | 12% DV |
| Manganese | 20% DV |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, this soup is a prime example of 'foraging cuisine,' where wild plants like dandelion were historically used as a spring tonic to cleanse the body after winter. Nutritionally, dandelion greens are remarkably high in vitamin K and antioxidants, and the soup's bitterness is often balanced with a touch of acid, a technique that also helps increase iron absorption.
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