Nettle food

Spring brings us a green treasure, full of vitamins and authentic flavors: nettles. These miracle plants are essential in culinary tradition, and today I will share with you a delicious nettle dish recipe that will remind you of home-cooked meals from your childhood. Cooking nettles may seem like a delicate process, but with a little attention and a few tricks, the result will be a tasty and healthy dish.

Nettle dish with garlic and onion

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 bag full of fresh nettles (approximately 300-400 g, but the more you have, the better, as they reduce after boiling)
- 1 medium onion
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or butter for a richer taste)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1.5 cups nettle water (the water you boiled them in)
- Salt, to taste

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the nettles:
Start by cleaning the nettles. Wear gloves, as contact with fresh nettles can cause slight irritation. Break off the thicker stems and discard them. Wash the nettles well under cold running water and let them drain.

2. Boiling the nettles:
In a pot, add water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the nettles and let them boil for 2-3 minutes. Nettles are delicate and do not require more time. I recommend using a Zepter pot to preserve the nutrients. After boiling, remove them and strain.

3. Preparing the mixture:
Use a hand blender to turn the boiled nettles into a fine paste, while adding the flour at the same time. The mixture will contribute to the consistency of your dish.

4. Sautéing the onion:
In a saucepan, add the oil (or butter) and finely chopped onion, sprinkled with a bit of salt. This will help the onion soften and become sweet. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Adding the nettles:
After the onion has softened, add the nettle and flour mixture. Pour in the nettle water, stirring continuously. Let it simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped garlic and adjust the taste with salt.

6. Serving:
The nettle dish can be served with steaming polenta and fried eggs for added flavor. It is a simple yet very satisfying dish.

Practical tips:
- Nettles: Choose young nettles, as they are more tender and have a better taste. Avoid nettles that have started to bloom.
- Onion and garlic: You can use red onion for a sweeter and more colorful taste. Fresh garlic will add an intense aroma, but you can adjust the amount to your liking.
- Variations: For a creamier version, you can add sour cream or yogurt at the end. You can also use tomato juice for a different flavor.
- Pairings: The nettle dish pairs well with a dry white wine or herbal tea, which will complement the natural flavors of the dish.

Nutritional benefits:
Nettles are rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. They are a good tonic for the body, strengthening the immune system and having anti-inflammatory properties. When consumed frequently, nettles can help detoxify the body.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen nettles? While fresh nettles are the best, you can also use frozen nettles, but the taste will be different.
- Is this recipe vegetarian? Yes, the recipe is vegetarian and can become vegan if you choose oil instead of butter.
- How long does the nettle dish last? It can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

This nettle dish recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also reconnect you with nature and culinary traditions. Cook it with love and enjoy every bite!