Chicasquil (Tree Spinach) Casserole With Noodles (Or Chaya)

"This is from a garden forum about the Chicasquil (Cnidoscolus acontifolius) which is a form of tree spinach. It is an evergreen vegetable that grows like a bush. I learned of this plant recently from Guachipelin, Chef #2245414. I went to one of my favorite nurseries for something else and while the fellow was driving me around, he pointed this out as Tree Spinach. It wasn't until I got home that I realized it was on my want list for the yard. I am very lucky as this one does NOT have the stinging hairs that some have."
 
Download
photo by a food.com user photo by a food.com user
Ready In:
35mins
Ingredients:
9
Serves:
4
Advertisement

ingredients

  • 30 large leaves greens, chopped and boiled (Chicasquil, Chaya or other green leaf)
  • 354.88 ml egg noodles boiled in the leaf water
  • 453.59 g ground meat, browned but not drained
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 340.19 g tomatoes, diced (canned tomato and chilies ok)
  • 56.69 g green chilies, diced
  • 113.39 g tomato sauce
  • garlic, minced to taste
  • salt
Advertisement

directions

  • Sautee onions and garlic, then add and brown meat. Set on warmer. Cut Chicasquil leaves into about 1" pieces or chop, discarding the stems and heavy veins, then boil *15* minutes, stirring frequently. Drain and reserve water.
  • Cook noodles in Chaya water and drain. Add tomato, chilies and Chaya leaves to onion/meat mixture - heat and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in egg noodles and simmer 3 minutes more. Serves 4.
  • NOTE: Please observe 15 minute boiling time. This allows all the Hydrocyanic Acid to be driven off as steam. A 1 minute cooking time, seen elsewhere in this blog, is insufficient to accomplish this - undercooked Chicasquil or Chaya may cause nausea and vomiting.

Questions & Replies

Got a question? Share it with the community!
Advertisement

Reviews

Have any thoughts about this recipe? Share it with the community!
Advertisement

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

As I am in South Florida, I have many edible fruits and perennial veggies in my yard. So, I like to cook with them.
 
View Full Profile
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Find More Recipes