Nettles with fried eggs and ham

Delicious recipe for sautéed nettles with eggs and fried ham

Who would have thought that from nettles, those plants that can sting us, we can create such a tasty dish? This recipe not only highlights wild ingredients but also brings a touch of nostalgia, evoking childhood memories and moments spent in nature. Nettles, known for their nutritional properties, are packed with vitamins and minerals, serving as a natural remedy for our energy and vitality. Let’s discover together how to transform these plants into the perfect delight for a comforting meal!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 300 g fresh nettles, cleaned and washed
- 4 green garlic stalks
- 4 green onion stalks
- 100 g butter (60 g for sautéing and 40 g for sauce)
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 200 ml water (approximately, for boiling)

Preparation steps:

1. Cleaning the nettles: Start by gathering nettles from a clean area, away from pollution. Wash them thoroughly under cold running water to remove impurities and any insects. Be careful – nettles can sting, so wear gloves if necessary.

2. Boiling the nettles: Place a large pot with water and salt on the stove. When the water reaches a boiling point, add the nettles and let them boil for about 20 minutes. This process will reduce the sting and soften the leaves. After boiling, drain the nettles, but do not throw away the water! Some of the nettle juice will be used later.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Finely chop the onion and green garlic. These will add extra flavor to our dish.

4. Sautéing the vegetables: In a wok, melt 60 g of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 5-6 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Don’t rush, the smell will be irresistible!

5. Adding the nettles: Add the drained nettles to the wok and sauté everything together for about 10 minutes. Stir gently to combine the flavors. This mixture will become the delicious base of our sauce.

6. Transforming into a paste: Transfer the contents from the wok into a blender. Add half a cup of nettle juice and blend until you achieve a smooth paste. If you are not serving the meal immediately, you can leave the mixture in the blender.

7. Finishing the sauce: When you are ready to serve, put the wok back on the heat, melt the remaining 40 g of butter, and add the obtained paste. Rinse the blender with a little nettle juice and add that to the wok as well. Let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld together.

8. Preparing the side dish: While the sauce is simmering, you can prepare a creamy polenta that pairs perfectly with this dish. Also, fry the eggs and ham to add extra flavor.

9. Serving: Serve the sautéed nettles on a bed of polenta, alongside fried eggs and crispy ham. You can add grated horseradish and sour cream for extra taste, but I personally prefer to serve them plain, without mixes.

Practical tips:
- Nettles: Buy fresh nettles from markets or pick them yourself, but make sure to choose them from clean places. They are rich in iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them an ideal superfood.
- Butter: Use fresh butter for a richer taste. If you want a lighter option, you can replace part of the butter with extra virgin olive oil.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables to the nettle mix, such as spinach or kale, for a diverse composition. Additionally, you can add sour cream to the nettle sauce for a creamy texture.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen nettles? Yes, but you should thaw them and drain well before use.
- How can I store nettles? Nettles can be kept in the fridge for a few days, but it’s best to consume them fresh.

This recipe for sautéed nettles with eggs and fried ham is not only a delicious meal but also an excellent way to reconnect with nature. So gather the ingredients and enjoy a culinary experience full of flavor! Enjoy your meal!