Nettle Puree
Nettles, these nutrient-rich plants with a distinct taste, are an excellent choice for healthy and delicious dishes. We start by letting them thaw, being careful to maintain their texture and aroma. Once completely thawed, we transfer them to the food processor and chop them until we obtain a fine paste. This step is essential as a homogeneous texture will contribute to creating a delicious and aromatic puree.
In a pot, we add a splash of olive oil, which we allow to heat over medium heat. The aroma of the olive oil will intensify, adding extra flavor to our dish. Once the oil is warm, we add the chopped nettles and stir constantly for about two minutes. This step will help the nettles release their characteristic flavors, thus enriching the dish.
After the nettles have started to sauté, it's time to add your favorite spices. You can opt for salt, pepper, or even a hint of nutmeg for a more sophisticated taste. Additionally, add fresh herbs like parsley or dill, which will provide a vibrant appearance and fresh taste. We continue by adding enough water to cover the nettles and cover the pot with a lid. We let it boil for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, we mix the starch with a little water, forming a homogeneous paste. After the nettles have boiled, we pour this mixture over them, stirring vigorously. We continue to stir for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and achieves a creamy consistency. This step is crucial to obtaining a silky puree that will delight the taste buds.
Once we have the nettle puree, we set it aside and add the finely chopped garlic. The garlic will provide an intense and aromatic note to the dish, and if you wish, you can also add liquid cream for an even richer taste. We mix well and ensure that all the ingredients are well incorporated. We serve this puree alongside main dishes as a healthy side dish, or we can use it as a base for various recipes. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: - 500 g nettles (I had blanched and frozen nettles) - olive oil - 3 cloves of garlic - seasoning - dill (I used dried) - parsley (I used dried parsley) - one tablespoon of starch - two tablespoons of liquid cream (preferably)
Tags: greenery garlic oil sour cream olives