Nettle is a very versatile edible "weed" both for phytotherapeutic purposes and in cooking. Here are some "free" recipes to prepare starting from the one harvested "in the garden".
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himNettle is a very versatile edible “weed” both for phytotherapeutic purposes and in the kitchen. Here are some "free" recipes to prepare starting from the one harvested "in the garden".
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Urticaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America. It has an erect stem (30 - 250 cm), slightly branched and covered with trichomes. Trichomes are hairs containing a stinging or irritating substance that the plant adopts for defensive purposes.
Contact irritation causes erythema to form and is associated with itching and mild local numbness lasting from minutes to hours. The leaves, also covered by trichomes, are ovate, opposite, serrated, sharp and dark green.
Nettle is known for its herbal medicinal properties, for the preparation of dishes and for its use in the textile field (especially in the past). This plant contains a significant amount of mineral salts (calcium, potassium, iron and silicon), vitamins (A and C), proteins and amino acids.
It also contains healing active ingredients such as flavonoids (antioxidants), phenolic acids, tannins and polysaccharides. Thanks to these substances, nettle boasts properties:
- antioxidants,
- antimicrobials,
- astringents,
- analgesics,
- purifying and diuretic.
In addition to the extraordinary phytotherapeutic properties, nettles lend themselves very well to the preparation of interesting and tasty recipes.
Index
Nettle recipes
Risotto Alle Nettles
The recipe for risotto with nettles is excellent, simple and at no cost! You can use both fresh and dried nettle. Dried nettle is readily available in herbal shops or online, while the fresh plant is good to pick up in places away from busy roads and pollution. Here you will find the complete recipe to follow.
The decoction with nettles
The decoction is a liquid preparation that allows you to make the most of the properties of the officinal herbs used. It can be used for internal use (drink) or for external use (packs, foot baths, etc.). The materials used are essentially three: colander, saucepan and cup. Proceed by adding the various parts of the nettle to the saucepan and cover them with water. Bring everything to a boil and let it simmer for a period of time ranging from 5 to 15 minutes. Once ready, the decoction must be filtered through a colander and transferred into a cup.
To follow step by step the preparation of the nettle decoction click here!
Nettle herbal tea
Nettle herbal tea is an excellent natural remedy for the well-being of the prostate, the genitourinary system, the vascular, intestinal and renal systems. It is also used as a tonic and tonic, taking advantage of its content of vitamins and mineral salts. The natural antioxidants present in the nettle make the herbal tea an effective remedy against cellular aging. Above all, its draining and purifying properties are exploited of the nettle herbal tea. When combined with other medicinal herbs, such as birch and grass, the beneficial effect is guaranteed!
Nettle soup
Nettle is a truly versatile herb. It can be used to prepare simple but effective drinks or to create original soups and dishes. Added to garlic can be a drained and diuretic remedy in this soup that is very easy to prepare and at the same time very tasty. If accompanied by cereals such as barley or spelled it becomes a nutritious and light dish. Here you can find all the steps to prepare spelled and nettle soup.
Crepes with nettle and walnut pesto
Another delicious dish is the crepes with pesto with nettles and walnuts. It may seem like a “bizarre” combination but I assure you that the final result is truly amazing. I recommend, once the nettles are boiled, do not throw away the cooking water but keep it to cook excellent risottos and soups.
What are you waiting for? Experience this original recipe by clicking here!
Nettle-based omelette
The nettle omelette is a tasty recipe and really very easy to make. It will be enough to leaf through the nettle, boil it, squeeze it and then toss it in the pan. Once combined with the egg and Parmesan, the dish is ready to be served as a single dish or as an alternative appetizer.
Read here to learn about doses, ingredients and preparation steps.
Nettle flan
The nettle-based flan is a special dish that brings the flavor of the earth and the extraordinary benefits of this plant to the table. Accompanied with fresh seasonal vegetables, it will be an ideal and original dinner!
Here you will find the complete recipe to follow.
How to store nettle?
Once collected (always with gloves!) And cleaned, the nettle can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If, on the other hand, you do not want to use it a few days after the harvest, you must absolutely proceed with thedrying. With this procedure, the nettle will maintain its properties over time without undergoing decomposition.
After washing, dry the nettle using a salad spinner or absorbent paper. Next, scatter the leaves on the trays of the dryer or on racks (taking care not to overlap them). Then place them in the dark, in a dry and ventilated place. If you use the dryer, set it to 40 ° C for about 12 - 18 hours. After drying, store them in the dark in airtight boxes or glass jars.
Another method for drying nettle is "the one in bunches". Hang them with the whole stem upside down for a few days, always in the dark and in a ventilated place, until completely dry.
In addition to cooking, nettle is also excellent for the vegetable garden. The nettle macerate is absolutely worth trying
Roberta Petruccini
