Nettles with polenta

Delicious recipe for boiled nettles with lovage and onion

If you are looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe, boiled nettles with lovage and onion are the perfect choice. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also healthy, offering a wealth of nutritional benefits. Here’s how you can make this delicacy, step by step.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g fresh nettles (preferably young)
- 1 sprig of fresh lovage
- 1 large onion, halved
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 2 liters of water
- Olive oil (optional, for serving)

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the nettles under a stream of cold water, ensuring that you remove any impurities. It is important to choose young nettles, as they have a milder taste and are more pleasant to cook. Be cautious of any older nettles, which may be more fibrous. Cut the onion in half, and gently wash the lovage sprig.

Step 2: Boiling the nettles
In a large pot, add the 2 liters of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water has started boiling, add the salt, the halved onion, and the lovage sprig. These will add an unmistakable aroma to the nettles. After the water boils again, carefully add the nettles, taking care as they may splash.

Step 3: Cooking the nettles
Allow the nettles to boil for 15 minutes. This time is sufficient to soften them and transform them into a delicious dish. You can tell the nettles are ready when they change color and become a vibrant shade of green. In the last few minutes, you can taste the nettles to ensure they are cooked to your liking.

Step 4: Draining and serving
Once cooked, remove the nettles from the pot and let them drain well. You can use a colander or a bowl. Remove the onion and lovage, although the lovage can be left for extra flavor. Serve the nettles hot, drizzled with a little olive oil for a refined taste.

Serving suggestions:
These boiled nettles can be served as a side dish alongside a steak or can be incorporated into a creamy puree. A delicious variation is to serve them with poached eggs, adding a bit of feta cheese on top for extra flavor.

Variations:
To add a touch of originality, you can include other ingredients, such as sautéed garlic or a teaspoon of lemon juice, to intensify the flavors. If you enjoy spicier dishes, feel free to add a bit of finely chopped chili pepper.

Boiled nettles with lovage and onion are a perfect example of a simple and healthy recipe, ideal for spring. So take advantage of the season and enjoy this delicacy!