Anyone who only knows the stinging nettle as a weed apparently knows little about it. This plant is packed with vital substances. That is why it is valued as a medicinal plant in naturopathy. But it can also be used to enjoy and feast!

Nettles can be eaten raw or cooked

Raw and processed edible

Nettle is edible both raw and processed. This applies to all of its plant parts, with its leaves and seeds being the most commonly consumed. However, most people do not dare to try them raw because they are afraid of their stinging hairs. Rightly so, because if you proceed headlessly, you can quickly burn your tongue.

Recipes for raw nettles

If the nettles are processed, ingredients such as vitamin C and B vitamins are lost. It is therefore advisable - if possible - to eat the stinging nettles raw. This is completely safe:

  • Roll over nettles with a rolling pin
  • or stinging nettles in warm water and wring out with a cloth
  • or run a knife over the parts of the plant
  • or mix nettles

As a result of the procedures mentioned, the hairs break, the nettle poison escapes and can no longer cause you wheals. In this state, the stinging nettles can be used, for example, in salads together with tomatoes or cucumbers. They are also suitable for smoothies, juices, herbal dips and yoghurt sauces.

Process nettles into spinach

The best known is probably the recipe in which nettle leaves are processed into spinach:

  • Chop the onion
  • Sauté with 200 g finely chopped nettle leaves and butter
  • fill up with 200 ml water and 50 ml cream
  • season with nutmeg, pepper, mustard and salt
  • Cook for 10 to 20 minutes and puree coarsely

Other usage ideas for stinging nettles

There are many other recipe ideas for using nettle leaves. They go well with many dishes. Whether steamed with meat, in a risotto, in a vegetable stew, in a herb sauce, in a casserole or chopped up in an omelet - the possibilities are endless. The nettle seeds are suitable for muesli, yoghurt dishes and salads.

tips

Put the nettle regularly on your menu! It is richer in nutrients, fresher and less contaminated than cultivated vegetables. It is also available free of charge from April to October in nature.

Category:

Herbs