Why nettle soup is so popular
This Nettle Soup is a great way to use ingredients found in nature for free. It has a unique herbal taste that reminds many people of spinach. The recipe uses simple cupboard staples like onions and potatoes to create a creamy texture. It is a healthy choice for anyone looking for a fresh vegetable dish.
Step by step: nettle soup
Prepare nettles: Wear gloves to wash the nettle leaves in cold water. Remove any thick stems and keep only the tender leaves. Bring a pot of water to the boil and blanch the leaves for two minutes. Drain them in a colander and set them aside.
Sauté vegetables: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until they are soft. Peel and dice the potato into small cubes. Stir the potato into the pan for a few minutes.
Simmer soup: Pour the vegetable stock into the pan with the onions and potatoes. Bring the liquid to a boil and then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about fifteen minutes until the potatoes are tender. Add the blanched nettle leaves to the pot.
Blend and serve: Use a stick blender to purée the mixture until it is completely smooth. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in a dash of cream if you like a richer texture. Serve the Nettle Soup warm with a piece of crusty bread.
Useful tips for nettle soup
Always use thick gloves when handling raw nettles to avoid stings. The stinging hairs disappear as soon as the leaves touch boiling water or heat. Try to pick nettles that are away from busy roads for the cleanest result. If you do not have a potato, you can use a little flour to thicken the Nettle Soup instead.
Using a good quality vegetable stock will improve the overall depth of the flavour. You can garnish the bowl with a few extra blanched leaves or a swirl of cream. This recipe works best with young leaves gathered in early spring.
You may also like
smoked brisket,
oxtails in red wine or
stuffed courgettes.
