Sourgrass, or Oxalis, is a fascinating wild plant that's widely available in many regions. Known for its tangy, lemon-like flavor due to the oxalic acid in its leaves, sourgrass is a versatile ingredient that brings a unique zest to dishes. Beyond its delightful taste, sourgrass is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Identifying Sourgrass

Recognizing sourgrass is straightforward if you know its key characteristics:

• Leaves: The plant features trifoliate leaves, with each stem bearing three heart-shaped leaflets, much like clover.

• Flowers: Sourgrass blooms small, yellow flowers with five petals, typically grouped in clusters.

• Stems: Its stems are often reddish and succulent, adding to its distinctive look.

• Taste: To confirm you’ve found sourgrass, taste a small leaf. It should have a bright, tangy flavor reminiscent of lemon.

About the Recipe

Sourgrass Bruschetta is a refreshing take on the traditional Italian appetizer. This recipe combines diced tomatoes, red onions, garlic, and sourgrass leaves, all tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The mixture is then served on crispy grilled bread slices, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, sweet red onions, and tangy sourgrass ensure a delicious and satisfying bite every time.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup sourgrass leaves, washed and dried

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 baguette, sliced diagonally

• Olive oil for grilling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomato Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, and washed sourgrass leaves.

2. Season and Toss: Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the tomato mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure they are well combined. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the bread.

3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill pan or grill to medium-high heat.

4. Grill the Bread: Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil. Grill the bread slices for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly charred and crispy. Remove from the grill and set aside.

5. Assemble the Bruschetta: Arrange the grilled baguette slices on a serving platter. Spoon the tomato mixture generously over each slice of grilled bread. Drizzle any remaining juices from the tomato mixture over the bruschetta for added flavor.

6. Serve Immediately: Serve the sourgrass bruschetta immediately as a light and refreshing appetizer, perfect for any occasion.

Join Our Foraging Classes & Explore More

Interested in exploring more wild plants like sourgrass? Join one of our foraging classes at forageSF to learn more about identifying and using wild edibles. You can also enhance your culinary skills with The Ultimate Sourgrass Cookbook: 100 Innovative Recipes for Nature’s Tangiest Herb.

Join our foraging class and consider buying the book for further inspiration!