Nettle Dishes

Nettle dishes are not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Nettles are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. They are known for their anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, making them excellent for boosting immunity and improving overall health.

Nettle Soup (1)

Ingredients:

• 10 oz (300 g) young nettle leaves
• 3 oz (90 g) rice
• 4–6 cups (1–1.5 L) water or vegetable broth
• Spices to taste
• A small amount of cornmeal

Preparation:

1. Boil young nettle shoots until tender, then chop finely.
2. Cook the rice separately, drain it, and add it to the boiling water or broth along with the chopped nettles.
3. Season to taste and cook for about 10 more minutes. If desired, thicken the soup with cornmeal.
4. When serving, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, if preferred.
5. Optionally, stir in sour cream before serving for extra creaminess.

Nettle Soup (2)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (500 g) young nettle leaves
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 8 cups (2 L) cold water

Preparation:

1. Sauté the chopped onion and grated carrot in oil. Add the flour and blanched nettles. Sauté for a few more minutes.
2. Remove from heat and gradually pour in the cold water while stirring.
3. Return to the stove, season to taste, and cook for about 20 minutes.
4. Beat the egg with sour cream and mix in some cooled soup. Gradually stir this mixture back into the soup.
5. Cook for a few more minutes until it begins to boil again.

Nettle Patties

Ingredients:

• 1.3 lb (600 g) mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas, rice, soy, mushrooms, and nettles)
• ¼ cup (50 g) flour
• ¼ cup (50 g) grated boiled potatoes
• Semolina (as needed)
• Bread crumbs (as needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Cook the vegetables separately: nettles and rice in one pot, other vegetables in another. Drain.
2. Mash the nettles and rice, then mix with the remaining vegetables.
3. Add grated potatoes, and bind the mixture with semolina, flour, and bread crumbs. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Shape into patties, coat in bread crumbs, and fry in a non-stick pan or hot oil.
5. For added flavor, you can stuff the patties with cheese or ham.

Cornbread with Nettles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (200 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp (50 ml) oil
• ½ cup (100 ml) carbonated water
• 2 oz (50 g) chopped cooked nettles
• 2 oz (50 g) pickled peppers, diced
• 2 oz (50 g) shredded cheese
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Mix all ingredients into a medium-thick batter.
2. Grease a baking dish, pour in the batter, and bake at 400°F (200°C) until done, depending on the pan size.

Nettle Puree

Ingredients:

• 7 oz (200 g) cooked nettles
• ½ cup (100 g) béchamel sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 2 tbsp (40 g) flour
• 3 tbsp (50 g) sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Blend the cooked nettles, then mix with béchamel sauce.
2. Cook over low heat, season to taste, and add milk.
3. Simmer for 5 more minutes, then remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
4. Serve as a side dish or with roasted meat.

Nettle Dish with Cornmeal

Ingredients:

• 7 oz (200 g) nettles
• Salt to taste
• Cornmeal (as needed)
• 1 egg

Preparation:

1. Cook the nettles until tender and season with salt.
2. Add cornmeal gradually to thicken the dish, cooking until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Simmer until thickened, then add a beaten egg.
4. The dish thickens further as it cools. Serve with cheese or sour cream. Optionally, add minced garlic for flavor.