Purslane

Several years ago, I recognized one of the weeds in my lawn as purslane http://landscaping.about.com/cs/weedsdiseases/a/purslane.htm.  I recall reading novels, maybe the China Bayles series, where purslane is mentioned.  I am also thinking it is mentioned in some books set in England.

Purslane is a succulent, and it grows very well in the dead lawns around here. As it ages, it turns red.

At dinner Thursday night, one of the gentleman present talked about purslane as an edible plant.  Like dandeloins, the greens can be eaten raw or cooked.  He mentioned purslane is a good source of Omega - 3 fatty acid. 

So, I was curious. I checked several links, including the one above, and discovered he was correct. So Saturday evening, I harvested a bowl of purslane, and sautéd it in some bacon drippings. I have been buying greens at the deli lately, but did not this week. So, I had greens from my yard. I washed it before eating it, but like most greens, unless you wash it two or three times very well, it is a little gritty.   That can be resolved. Today, when I ate some, I added some powdered onion.  I think the next time I cook purslane, I will add the usual onion and garlic that so many of my recipes start with.