Nettle Recipes
Though its touch may make you wince,
Its power is worth the little pinch.
In the spring, when the earth’s reborn,
Nettle leads the way, in green adorned.
Nettles are a wonderfully nutritious and versatile plant to use in the kitchen. Here are a few simple and delicious nettle recipes to help you make the most of this green powerhouse!
Nettle Tea
A classic way to enjoy nettles is in a soothing tea. This is great for detoxifying and revitalizing your body.
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh nettle leaves (or 2 tablespoons dried nettle leaves)
1 cup hot water
Optional: honey or lemon for flavor
Instructions:
Gently rinse the fresh nettles to remove any dirt.
Place the nettles in a tea strainer or directly into a mug.
Pour hot water over the nettles and steep for 5-10 minutes.
Strain if needed, and add honey or lemon to taste.
Enjoy the earthy, refreshing flavors.
Nettle Soup
A delicious, nutrient-packed soup that's perfect for spring!
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons tallow or lard or coconut oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
4 cups fresh nettle leaves (young, tender leaves)
1 potato, peeled and chopped (optional, for creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste
A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
1/4 cup cream or a dairy-free alternative (optional)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the vegetable broth and potato (if using). Bring to a boil, then simmer until the potato is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Add the nettles and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until wilted and tender. Be sure to wear gloves when handling nettles if they are fresh.
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender and blend in batches.
Season with salt and pepper, add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, and stir in cream if desired for a richer flavor.
Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs.
Nettle Pesto
A twist on traditional basil pesto, this version uses nettles for a vibrant, earthy flavor!
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh nettle leaves (blanched for safety)
1/2 cup nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup tallow or lard or coconut oil
Juice of half a lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the nettle leaves. Blanch for about 2-3 minutes to remove the sting, then quickly transfer the nettles to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.
Drain the nettles and squeeze out any excess water.
In a food processor, combine the nettles, nuts, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Process until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss with pasta, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or spread on toast for a quick snack.
Nettle and Mushroom Risotto
A hearty, earthy dish with the flavors of fresh greens and mushrooms.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon tallow or lard or coconut oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Arborio rice
1/2 cup white wine (optional)
4 cups vegetable broth, kept warm
2 cups mushrooms, sliced (shiitake, cremini, or your favorite variety)
2 cups fresh nettle leaves (blanched)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
Pour in the white wine (if using) and stir until absorbed.
Gradually add the warm vegetable broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and tender, about 20-25 minutes.
In a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms in a little olive oil until browned, about 5 minutes.
Once the risotto is done, stir in the sautéed mushrooms, blanched nettles, and Parmesan (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.
Nettle Chips
A fun and crispy way to enjoy nettles as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh nettle leaves
1 tablespoon tallow or lard or coconut oil
Salt, to taste
Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, or nutritional yeast for flavor
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Gently wash the nettles and remove any thick stems.
Toss the nettle leaves with olive oil and season with salt and any optional spices.
Spread the nettles in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for 5-10 minutes, checking frequently, until crispy (be careful not to burn them).
Serve as a crunchy snack or a garnish for soups and salads.
When handling fresh nettles, always wear gloves to avoid the stinging hairs. Once they’re cooked or dried, the sting disappears, so feel free to get creative with recipes!
These nettle recipes provide a variety of ways to enjoy this wild green in your meals while taking advantage of its many health benefits. Enjoy experimenting!