I currently live in Costa Rica and have decided to start writing about the food I eat here. Though I am a vegetarian many of the recipes are really appropriate for everyone like this little gem, Torta de Flor de Itabo. You can also see my full blog post at
http://www.chicaenglish.com/my-blog/2012/05/scrambled-eggs-and-flowers.html
So here is a recipe for Flor de Itabo which are yucca flowers. If you live in the southwest no doubt you seem them everyday. I bet you didn't know that pretty white petals edible. In Costa Rica markets and roadside full of Flor de Itabo branches mark the coming of Easter known here as Semana Santa since it blooms March though April.
They are an excellent source of vitamin C and also contain iron, phosphorus and niacin, as well as fiber. So these little boogers are nutritious too!
Torta de Flor de Itabo
Remove petals from the plant being careful not to pinch or damage until you have approximately 1 cup. Wash carefully.
Next Place the flowers in boiling water and cook about 5 minutes until soft. The petals should still be crisp but tender. Drain and transfer to a plate.
Peel 5 small potatoes and boil. Then roughly mash. Set aside.
Heat a small amount of canola oil and saute ½ finely diced onion and one clove of garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
Then add the Flor de Itabo and eggs. Mix to scramble ensuring the Itabo is well coated. Cook until the eggs are almost done and then add the potatoes.
Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.
