Nettle Soup - green, healthy and delicious!

One of my childhood memories is of my Dad making Nettle Soup, we thought he was crazy and were anxious that the soup would sting our mouths, but it was absolutely delicious especially with some cream dolloped in the middle of it.

It is simple to make. First you need to find some young fresh nettles growing away from busy roads or other polluted areas. Make sure you take a carrier bag and some gloves plus wear a reasonably thick coat to protect your lower arms, then just look for nettles about 4 inches high and pick from the base of the stem. You will need approximately 3 handfuls.

When you get them home, trim the stems, discard any diseased or brown leaves, insects etc. Wash thoroughly, pat dry (with gloves on) put to one side ready to add to the saucepan.

Chop an onion and a clove of garlic finely, chop one or two potatoes into small chunks; depending on the quantity of nettles you have left and fry in a large saucepan in some olive oil until golden. Separately, boil enough water to cover the nettles and add a vegetable stock cube if you wish. Add the nettles to the onion, garlic and potatoes and fry for a few minutes, add the boiled water/stock and stir. Simmer for approximately 15 minutes (until potatoes are cooked). Liquidize, return to the saucepan to keep it hot, add salt and pepper to taste, pour into bowls. Serve immediately with or without cream and croutons!

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Even better knowing it's Free Food and it's high in various vitamins and minerals!

Comments

[Dr Alison Grimston]

Great recipe Madeleine, and tastes much nicer than it sounds! I tend to leave the insects in though, extra protein (just kidding!)
Love
Alisonx
www.TheNaturallyHealthypet.com
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