Nettle soup

Nettle soup with quail eggs – a spring delicacy full of vitamins!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6

The history of nettle soup is ancient, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. This light and nourishing soup has been prepared for generations, considered a symbol of spring and the return of life to nature. Fresh ingredients, such as nettles and orache, not only provide a unique flavor but also exceptional nutritional benefits.

Before we begin, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients at hand and prepare to create a soup that will bring an explosion of flavors and colors to the plate.

Ingredients:

- 4-5 green onions
- 300 g fresh mushrooms (preferably champignon or oyster)
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 300 g fresh nettles (choose young nettles with delicate leaves)
- 1 bunch of red orache (4-5 stems)
- 2000 ml cold water
- Iodized salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 20 quail eggs

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by carefully cleaning and washing all the greens. Nettles should be washed in several waters to ensure no dirt remains. Use gloves to avoid stings! After washing, chop the nettles and orache finely. The green onions can be sliced into thin rounds, and the mushrooms should be sliced.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the green onions and mushrooms, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms release their aroma.

3. Add the carrot and greens: Add the grated carrot to the onion and mushroom mixture, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the chopped nettles and orache. Continue to stir, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.

4. Boil the soup: Add cold water to the pot, season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer uncovered over medium heat for about 25 minutes. This time will allow the flavors to develop and the nettles to become tender.

5. Finishing the soup: With 5 minutes left before turning off the heat, add the tomato paste, stirring well to incorporate it into the soup.

6. Quail eggs: Crack the quail eggs and, using a spoon, carefully add them to the soup. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes until the whites are well set while the yolk remains soft and creamy.

7. Serving: Serve the soup hot, garnished with a bit of chili pepper (if you like it spicy) and accompanied by cold polenta, which will add a delicious contrast.

Useful tips:

- Fresh greens: Using fresh nettles and orache is essential for achieving a vibrant taste. You can also try other spring greens, such as spinach or wild garlic, in combination with nettles.
- Olive oil: Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for a more intense flavor.
- Quail eggs: If you don’t have quail eggs, you can use chicken eggs, but the cooking time will be longer (about 7-8 minutes).
- Vegan option: You can eliminate the quail eggs and add smoked tofu for a similar texture.

Nutritional benefits:

Nettle soup is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Nettles have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to strengthen the immune system. Orache provides a significant amount of antioxidants, contributing to overall health.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use frozen nettles?: Although fresh nettles are best, you can also use frozen nettles. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
- How can I store the soup?: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. To freeze it, cool the soup completely, then place it in containers or freezer bags.
- What other garnishes can I use?: Besides polenta, the soup can be served with flavored croutons or a slice of fresh bread.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put on your apron and start cooking! Enjoy every spoonful of this nettle soup, which will not only nourish your body but also bring a smile to your face. Bon appétit!