White nettles for fasting

White Nettle Dish with Wild Garlic - A Springtime Delicacy

Spring is a magical season, and with it comes the time to enjoy the fresh aromas of nature. Among the first treasures of this season are nettles, vegetables with a unique taste and nutritional value. This recipe for white nettle dish with wild garlic is a perfect choice for a fasting meal, bringing not just a healthy dish to the table, but also an explosion of flavors. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
- Total: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1000 g fresh nettles
- 300 ml soy drink
- 3 tablespoons white wheat flour
- Iodized salt (to taste)
- Garlic-infused olive oil (3-4 tablespoons)
- 1 bunch of fresh wild garlic

Necessary Utensils:
- A large pot
- A strainer
- A knife and a cutting board
- A frying pan
- A wooden spoon
- A mixing bowl

1. Preparing the Nettles
The first step in preparing this nettle dish is to ensure we have fresh ingredients. Buy quality nettles, preferably from a trusted source. Choose young nettles with green and tender leaves.

Cleaning and Washing:
- Carefully clean the nettles of any impurities or dried leaves.
- Wash them well under cold running water to remove any traces of dirt or insects.

2. Boiling the Nettles
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a little salt.
- Once the water is boiling, add the nettles and let them boil over medium heat for about 10 minutes. This process will help eliminate the slightly sour taste of the nettles and make them more tender.

Useful Tips:
- Use gloves when handling nettles to avoid stings.
- If you want to retain some vitamins, make sure not to boil them too long.

3. Cooling and Chopping the Nettles
- After boiling, strain the nettles and let them cool slightly.
- Once cooled, chop them finely with a knife. This will help integrate them into the final mixture.

4. Preparing the Wild Garlic
- While the nettles cool, take a bunch of wild garlic and chop it finely. Wild garlic adds a special flavor to this dish, being one of the most aromatic spring plants.

5. Sautéing the Wild Garlic
- In a frying pan, add 3-4 tablespoons of garlic-infused olive oil. If you don’t have infused oil, you can add a few finely chopped garlic cloves to regular olive oil.
- Sauté the wild garlic for about 2-3 minutes over medium heat until it becomes soft and releases its aroma.

6. Combining the Ingredients
- Add the chopped nettles to the frying pan, mixing well. Let everything cook on low heat for 5 minutes for the flavors to combine.

7. Preparing the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the flour with the soy drink until a homogeneous paste forms.
- Add this mixture to the frying pan over the nettles and wild garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue cooking on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

8. Serving
Now that your delicious dish is ready, it’s important to serve it hot! I recommend pairing it with a portion of steaming polenta, which will add a rustic touch to this dish.

Serving Suggestion:
- You can sprinkle some sesame seeds on top or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
- Accompany with a fresh vegetable salad for a balanced and healthy meal.

Nutritional Benefits
Nettles are extremely nutritious, being rich in vitamins A, C, K, iron, and calcium. They have anti-inflammatory properties and are excellent for detoxifying the body. Additionally, wild garlic is known for its ability to improve blood circulation and strengthen the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of nettles?
Yes, you can replace nettles with spinach or sorrel, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I store nettles?
Nettles can be frozen for later use, but it is recommended to blanch them first.

3. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, using soy drink and olive oil makes this recipe completely vegan.

Possible Variations
- You can also add some boiled potato slices to make the dish more filling.
- Try experimenting with other spices, such as paprika or cumin, to add an exotic note.

Conclusion
The white nettle dish with wild garlic is a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for celebrating spring. This recipe is not only healthy but also offers a unique taste, bringing nature to your table. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!