Nettle dish with garlic

Nettle dish with garlic – a healthy and vitamin-rich delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

The history of nettles is fascinating, as these plants, often considered ruthless due to their stings, have been used over time not only in traditional gastronomy but also in folk medicine. Due to their high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, nettles are valued for their health benefits. The nettle dish with garlic is one of the recipes that highlights the authentic taste of nature, being simple yet extremely flavorful. Far from being a complicated recipe, it is prepared quickly and can become a perfect option for a healthy dinner.

Ingredients:

- 6 bunches of nettles (approximately 300 grams), well washed in several waters and blanched for 5 minutes in boiling salted water
- 1 medium onion, peeled and washed
- 6 small cloves of garlic, peeled and washed
- 2 and a half tablespoons of flour
- 500 ml of sweet milk (or water in which the nettles were boiled)
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
We start by crushing the garlic with a knife or a garlic press. Then, we finely chop the onion, ensuring that we cut it small enough to sauté it evenly and quickly. The next step is to chop the drained nettles, making sure they are cut as finely as possible; this way, they will blend perfectly into our sauce.

Useful tips: Wear gloves when handling nettles to avoid irritation from their stings. Also, choose young nettles, which are more tender and have a milder taste.

Step 2: Mixing the nettles
We prepare a bowl in which we place the chopped nettles. We add the flour, mixing well to avoid lumps. It is important to achieve a homogeneous mixture, which will help thicken the dish.

Step 3: Sautéing the onion
Now, we move to the stove. We place a pot over medium heat and add the oil. Once it is heated, we add the chopped onion. We stir constantly, sautéing the onion until it becomes translucent, which will add extra flavor to our dish.

Step 4: Preparing the sauce
We add the milk to the pot and mix well. We let it simmer gently. Once it starts to boil, we add the nettles mixed with flour and thoroughly combine the mixture. We simmer on low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. It is essential to maintain a gentle heat to allow the nettles to cook evenly and release their flavors.

Step 5: Adding the garlic
After about 15 minutes, we add the crushed garlic to the mixture. We season with salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting the taste according to personal preferences. We continue to simmer for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.

Step 6: Serving
Once the dish is ready, we taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. We turn off the stove and let the dish cool slightly. We serve the dish warm, alongside a portion of polenta, which will perfectly complement this healthy dish.

Possible variations: For a creamier version, you can add sour cream at the end, mixing well until smooth. Additionally, a splash of lemon juice can bring a note of freshness to the dish.

Ideal combinations: The nettle dish with garlic pairs wonderfully with a tomato salad or polenta with cheese. Also, a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade can perfectly complete the meal.

Calories and nutritional benefits: This recipe has about 200 calories per serving, making it a healthy and filling choice. Nettles are rich in vitamin C, iron, calcium, and antioxidants, having anti-inflammatory effects and being considered a superfood.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen nettles?
Yes, it is a viable option, but fresh nettles have a much more intense flavor.

2. How can I keep fresh nettles?
Keep them in a cool and humid place, preferably in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
For added texture, you can include boiled potatoes or chopped carrots.

The nettle dish with garlic is undoubtedly a recipe that brings a touch of nature to the plate, easy to prepare and extremely delicious. So, embrace the authentic taste of nettles and enjoy this dish that will fill your soul with joy! Enjoy your meal!