Choose a recipe: nettle soup nettle pesto nettle spinach
Weed with beneficial effects? Even so, you can perceive nettle as dioecious, which can be used as a whole, including the stem. But pay the most attention to its leaves, which they contain large amount of chlorophyll. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, stimulates metabolism, cleans the blood, supports hematopoiesis and, last but not least, is an effective anti-rheumatic agent. Nettle tea is an effective prevention against flu and acts as a diuretic. Therefore, it is often included in tea mixtures for weight loss.
Nettle tea for drinking and for hair
Nettle leaves can be dried and used year-round. In the current season, however, take advantage of the freshness of the herb. Put nettle leaves in a pot and cover with water in a ratio of 1:2, one cup of leaves and two cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and remove from the heat. Let the tea steep for about five minutes and then strain the decoction. You can flavor the finished tea with a teaspoon of honey.
Decoction of nettles it can also be used in hair care, as it effectively fights against thinning. But anyone who wants to promote the shine and density of their hair or get rid of dandruff can incorporate it into their hair routine.
Fresh nettle as an ingredient in meals and smoothies
We recommend incorporating nettle into meals, preferably fresh. It will retain the largest share of vitamins and medicinal substances. It’s great in salads, Asian dishes like bún bò nam bô, or you can add it to your favorite smoothie. Its pungent taste, for example complements well with banana, apples, but also citrus fruits. To increase the nutritional value, you can also add various seeds to the smoothie, such as hemp, pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
However, do not be afraid to prepare food in which the nettle will dominate. Examples can be spinach made from nettles, soup or pesto, which has a wide range of uses in the kitchen.
Nettle soup
You will need:
- 200 g of leaves and upper (soft) nettle shoots
- 500 ml of vegetable broth
- 250 ml of 12% whipping cream
- 1 onion
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- salt pepper
Fry the onion in butter and add the diced potato. After a minute, pour the broth over everything and let it cook until soft. Meanwhile, wash the nettles and finely chop them. Throw them into the broth and do not cook the soup any further. Mix everything with an immersion blender, soften with cream and season with salt and pepper.
Spinach from nettles
You will need:
- 400 g of leaves and upper (soft) nettle shoots
- 50 g of butter
- 1 shallot
- a pinch of nutmeg
- salt and pepper
- approx. 50 ml of water
Chop the nettle leaves into larger pieces. Heat the butter in a pan and fry the finely chopped shallot. Then add the nettle leaves and cover everything with a little water. Cook the mixture for approximately ten minutes, stirring occasionally, and finally season with salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg.
Nettle spinach is great as a side dish or a separate dish. In this case, serve with a boiled potato and a boiled egg or an ox eye.
Nettle pesto
You will need:
- 150 g of leaves and upper (soft) nettle shoots
- 50 g of Grana Padano cheese
- 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
- 50 g of pine nuts
- min. 5 tablespoons of olive oil
Dry roast the pine nuts in a pan. Place the fresh nettles in the blender and blend them briefly to make them easier to work with. Add the nuts and repeat the process. Next, add the oil and mix for at least one minute. Third, add salt and grated cheese and mix again. If the mixture is still too dry, add another tablespoon or two of oil.
You can find ideas for other recipes using nettle in the photo gallery.