Nettle soup

Nettle Borscht - a delicious and nutritious recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Introduction

Nettle borscht is a traditional dish, full of flavor and nutritional benefits. This aromatic borscht is perfect to enjoy on cool spring days when nettles are in full bloom. Nettles are rich in vitamins and minerals, having detoxifying properties that contribute to overall health. Besides its comforting taste, this borscht is also an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a healthy meal.

In this recipe, we will go through each step, providing useful tips and information about ingredients to achieve a delicious and flavorful soup.

Ingredients

- 300-400 g fresh nettles
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 small celery root, grated
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for a spicier taste)
- 1 can of mushrooms (approx. 400 g), drained and rinsed
- 5-6 potatoes, diced
- 1 bunch of chard, chopped
- 2 bunches of red orache, chopped
- 2 bunches of lovage, chopped
- 1 liter of fresh borscht (or to taste)
- 3 tablespoons of sunflower or olive oil
- 1 can of tomatoes in juice (approx. 400 g)
- 2 tablespoons of rice
- Salt, to taste
- Eggs (one for each family member)
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme

Preparation

1. Cleaning the nettles: We start with the nettles, which are the main ingredient of this borscht. It is important to wear gloves to avoid stings. We wash the nettles in several cold waters to ensure we remove any impurities. After cleaning them well, we put them in a pot of boiling water and blanch them for 3-4 minutes. This technique will help to remove the bitter taste and make the nettles easier to digest. After blanching, we drain them and keep the water in which they were boiled for later use.

2. Preparing the base: In a large pot, we add 3 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. We add the finely chopped onion and sauté it until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then, we add the grated carrot and celery, as well as the diced bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables together for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to allow the flavors to develop.

3. Adding the ingredients: Once the vegetables are lightly sautéed, we add the drained mushrooms, diced potatoes, and canned tomatoes with their juice. We mix well and cover the pot with a lid, allowing it to simmer on low heat for 5-6 minutes. This step helps the vegetables soften and release their flavors.

4. Completing the borscht: After the vegetables are almost cooked, we pour in the water in which the nettles were blanched. This will add a special flavor to the borscht. When the borscht starts to boil, we add the chopped chard and red orache, along with the rice. Here, you can also add the sprig of thyme for a more intense aroma. We let it simmer on low heat until the rice is cooked, about 10-15 minutes.

5. The eggs: When the rice is cooked, we carefully crack an egg into the borscht for each family member. This will add a creamy texture and special flavor. When the eggs rise to the surface, you know they are cooked. We add the chopped lovage and season with salt to taste, then turn off the heat.

Serving

Nettle borscht is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread. You can add a spoonful of sour cream on top for extra creaminess. Also, a bottle of white wine or fresh lemon juice would perfectly complement the meal. I recommend enjoying it alongside a green salad for a fresh and crunchy note.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or leeks. You can also replace the rice with quinoa or bulgur for a healthier option. If you like a spicier taste, add more hot pepper.

Nutritional benefits

This borscht is not only delicious but also extremely healthy. Nettles are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. It is a filling dish but with a relatively low calorie content, making it ideal for a balanced diet. A serving of nettle borscht has about 150-200 calories, depending on the added ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen nettles?
Yes, frozen nettles can be used, but it is recommended to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the borscht.

- What can I do if I can't find fresh nettles?
If you can't find nettles, you can try replacing them with spinach, but the taste will be different.

- How can I store leftover borscht?
Borscht can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

With this nettle borscht recipe, not only will you enjoy a traditional dish, but you will also add a touch of health to your diet. Prepare it with love and enjoy every bite!