Nettle soup recipe

Nettle Soup Recipe

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Nettles (Urtica dioica) are a common shrub native to Europe and Asia. The plants have heart-shaped leaves and stems that are covered in fine hairs which cause pain, redness and swelling if brushed against.

Nettles have a number of health benefits including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, immunostimulatory, anti-infectious, hypotensive, antiulcer activities and cardiovascular disease prevention.

When foraging for nettles, always wear gloves, a long-sleeved top and long pants to prevent being stung and choose a clean location away from busy roads and pollution.

Nettle soup recipe

Nettle soup

Julia Wilson
A quick and easy soup recipe using wild nettle
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine traditional
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • 1 Medium saucepan
  • 1 Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 finely chopped white or yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock
  • 400 grams stinging nettles, washed, and stems removed
  • 1/3 cup double cream
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a medium-sized saucepan and add the garlic and onion, cook until golden.
  • Rinse the nettle leaves thoroughly and remove any tough stems, set aside.
  • Add the nettle leaves to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are wilted.
  • Add the chicken or vegetable stock to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and transfer to a blender, puree until smooth.
  • Return the soup to the pot and stir in the cream. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
  • Bring the soup back up to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and crusty bread.

Notes

Nutritional properties

  • Vitamins: A, B, C and K
  • Minerals: Iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium
  • Amino acids: Threonine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, lysine, histidine, methionine
Keyword nettle, nettle soup, soup