Source: Natalia Arugula, AdobeStockMany often ignore nettle, accustomed to thinking of it as just a weed that stings legs in the yard. This is completely undeserved, as it is not only very tasty but also healthy. We've gathered 20 of the best nettle recipes for you – be sure to save them!
1. Nettle Shchi (Cabbage Soup)
Source: za-edoy.ruPerhaps one of the first recipes that comes to mind.
You will need: 500 g beef, 3 L water, 3 potatoes, 300 g nettle, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 100 g fresh herbs, spices.
Preparation: Pour water over the beef and boil until cooked, skimming off any foam. Strain the broth, then cut the meat and return it to the pot. Add diced potatoes and cook for about 20 minutes. Finely chop the onion and carrot, sauté until soft, and add to the shchi. Add chopped nettle, fresh herbs, and spices, and cook for another 5 minutes.
2. Nettle Jam
Source: ideireceptov.ruThis jam doesn't even need sugar – truly healthy eating.
You will need: 200 g nettle, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 lemon.
Preparation: Blanch the nettle with boiling water, cut off the stems, and chop the leaves. Melt and heat the honey, add lemon juice, and stir in the nettle. Simmer everything together for about 3-5 minutes over low heat.
3. Cream of Nettle Soup
Source: trendingnetnepal.comInstead of water, you can use any vegetable or meat broth.
You will need: 800 ml water, 2 bunches nettle, 4 potatoes, 50 g processed cheese, spices.
Preparation: Rinse the nettle, blanch it with boiling water, cut off the stems, and chop the leaves. Boil water, add diced potatoes, and cook for about 15 minutes. Add the nettle and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Blend the soup until smooth, add spices and grated processed cheese, and cook a little longer until the cheese dissolves.
4. Nettle Salad with Cucumber and Eggs
Source: za-edoy.ruA fresh and summery salad – very light and low-calorie.
You will need: 100 g nettle, 3 eggs, 3 tbsp sour cream, 1 clove garlic, 1 cucumber, 1 bunch parsley.
Preparation: Pour boiling water over the nettle for 2 minutes, pat dry, and chop. Boil eggs until hard-boiled and chop them arbitrarily. Chop the cucumber and parsley, then dress the salad with sour cream mixed with garlic and spices.
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5. Nettle Spread for Sandwiches
Source: ok.ruWe recommend spreading it on toasted baguette slices.
You will need: 30 g nettle, 50 g walnuts, 100 ml olive oil, 40 g processed cheese, 3 cloves garlic, spices.
Preparation: Blanch the nettle leaves with boiling water and pat dry. Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
6. Nettle Tincture
Source: pokayadoma.ruInstead of vodka, you can use moonshine or another strong alcohol with a neutral taste.
You will need: 2 L vodka, 400 g nettle.
Preparation: Finely chop the nettle, place it in a jar, and pour vodka over it. Close the jar and leave it in a bright room for 24 hours, then move it to a cool, dark place and let it infuse for about 1 week. After that, strain the tincture, and if desired, dilute it with water or add sugar.
7. Fried Nettle
Source: shuba.lifeA simple and foolproof side dish for meat or poultry.
You will need: 300 g nettle, 2 cloves garlic, 3 tbsp olive oil, spices.
Preparation: Rinse and arbitrarily chop the nettle. Sauté minced garlic in oil for a few seconds, add the nettle, and simmer everything together for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste.
8. Nettle and Spinach Fritters
Source: fan-female.ruGreen fritters are completely different from classic ones, but they only benefit from it.
You will need: 200 g nettle, 200 g spinach, 2 eggs, 400 ml milk, 300 g flour, 1.5 tsp baking powder, 100 g green onions, spices.
Preparation: Dip nettle, spinach, and green onions in boiling water for a few minutes, pat dry, and chop. Whisk eggs with milk, season, and add sifted flour with baking powder. Mix the batter, add all the greens, and fry the fritters in a pan on both sides until golden brown.
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9. Nettle Muffins
Source: pinterest.comQuick and easy muffins.
You will need: 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 200 g nettle, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 2 g salt, 1.5 cups flour, 0.5 tsp baking powder.
Preparation: Rinse the nettle and blend its leaves with sugar until smooth. Whisk eggs with oil, add sifted dry ingredients, stir in the nettle, and mix everything again. Spoon the batter into muffin molds and bake for 30 minutes in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius.
10. Nettle Smoothie with Fruits
Source: fiteria.ruA pleasant fruity taste with unusual herbal notes.
You will need: 1 bunch nettle, 2 apples, 1 orange, 100 ml water, 1 sprig mint.
Preparation: Blanch nettle leaves with boiling water and pat dry. Peel and chop the fruits. Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Optionally, you can add honey.
11. Cream of Nettle Soup with Rice
Source: za-edoy.ruA creative improvisation on the classic French recipe.
You will need: 1 L broth, 1 kg nettle, 2 onions, 150 g rice, 50 ml olive oil, spices.
Preparation: Chop and sauté the onion in oil until soft. Boil the broth, add rice, and cook until done. Add chopped nettle and onion, cook for another 3 minutes, and blend the soup until smooth. Season to taste.
12. Nettle and Pistachio Pesto
Source: recept-borscha.ruThis recipe can certainly surprise even experienced gourmets!
You will need: 100 g nettle, 80 g Parmesan, 80 g pistachios, 1/2 lime, 100 ml olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, spices.
Preparation: Shell the pistachios. Squeeze the juice and zest from the lime. Rinse the nettle leaves and place them in boiling water for 1 minute, then pat dry. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
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13. Nettle Syrup
Source: dzen.ruThe finished syrup can be added to tea or other drinks for flavor and a tonic effect.
You will need: 1 kg nettle, 1 L water, 500 g sugar or honey.
Preparation: Rinse the leaves of young nettle, pass them through a meat grinder, and pour 3 cups of water over them. Bring to a boil, cook for 1-2 minutes, and strain the decoction. Add the remaining water, sugar, or honey. Bring the syrup to a boil again and transfer it to a convenient container.
14. Fermented Nettle
Source: vk.comTransfer the prepared nettle to clean jars and store in a cool place.
You will need: 5 kg nettle, 100 g salt, 150 g carrots, 50 g cranberries, 2 apples, 2 g caraway seeds, 1 tsp allspice, 3 bay leaves.
Preparation: Rinse the nettle, chop it, and place it in a fermentation container. Grate carrots into it, chop peeled apples, and add cranberries. Add salt and all spices, mix, and cover with gauze or a towel. Leave the preparation in a cool place under a weight for about 2 weeks.
15. Nettle Lemonade
Source: gravida.ruAgain, not a classic, but a recipe worth trying!
You will need: 200 g nettle, 1 lemon, 2 tbsp sugar, 250 ml sparkling water.
Preparation: Rinse the nettle, squeeze juice from the lemon, and blend everything with sugar until smooth. Strain the mixture and pour sparkling water over it.
16. Light Okroshka with Nettle and Herbs
Source: alarmyk24.ruWe recommend pouring lemon water over the okroshka, as in the recipe.
You will need: 150 g nettle, green onion, arugula, parsley, and mint, 1 egg, 1 cucumber, 1 lemon, 500 ml water, 2 pinches salt.
Preparation: Mix water and lemon juice. Hard-boil an egg and dice it finely along with the cucumber. Chop all the herbs. Separate the nettle and blanch it with boiling water. Lightly mash the herbs with salt using a pestle, mix everything with cucumber and egg, and pour lemon water over it.
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17. Nettle and Honey Muffins
Source: origo.huThis recipe is a bit unconventional, but it turns out very delicious.
You will need: 225 g butter, 150 g molasses, 250 g honey, 300 g flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 3 eggs, 100 g nettle.
Preparation: Dip the nettle in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then blend it until smooth. Melt butter, molasses, and honey, mix, and add flour with baking powder and salt. Add beaten eggs and nettle. Mix everything again, spoon the batter into molds, and bake the muffins for about 30 minutes in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius.
18. Cottage Cheese with Nettle
Source: koolinar.ruCan be eaten as is or used as a spread.
You will need: 300 g cottage cheese, 200 g nettle, 30 ml cream, 20 ml lemon juice, spices, fresh herbs.
Preparation: Blanch nettle leaves with boiling water and pat dry. Mash the cottage cheese with cream and lemon juice using a fork or blend until smooth. Add nettle and chopped herbs to taste, and mix.
19. Nettle and Spinach Roll with Red Fish
Source: pinterest.comThe finished roll can even be served at a festive table – it will adorn it beautifully.
You will need: 4 eggs, 3 tbsp flour, 300 g cream cheese, 200 g spinach, 100 g nettle, 8 dandelion leaves, 1 clove garlic, spices, 150 g red fish, 1 tbsp chopped dill.
Preparation: Rinse nettle, spinach, and dandelion leaves, pour boiling water over them for 2 minutes, transfer to ice water, and squeeze dry. Blend the greens with egg yolks, garlic, flour, and 2 tablespoons of cream cheese until smooth. Season to taste. Separately, whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the mixture.
Spread the mixture onto parchment paper in a layer about 15 mm thick. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes at 190 degrees Celsius. Remove the sheet, roll it up, and leave for 5-7 minutes. Then unroll, spread with cream cheese, sprinkle with dill, and arrange the red fish. Roll it up again, refrigerate for a couple of hours, and slice.
20. Nettle Tea
Source: sovkusom.ruYou probably won't drink it too often, but for variety, it's very good.
You will need: 10 g nettle, 300 ml water.
Preparation: Rinse the nettle, place it in a pot, and pour water over it. Bring to a boil over low heat, remove from the stove, cover, and let the decoction steep for a while. Strain and serve the tea.