Ever wondered if those prickly plants in your garden could actually be a culinary treasure? Stinging nettles are more than just a common weed – they’re packed with nutrients and can be transformed into a variety of tasty dishes. From vibrant soups to zesty pestos, nettles offer a rich, earthy flavour and a wealth of health benefits.

Why Eat Stinging Nettles?

Yes, you can eat stinging nettles, and they’re not only safe when properly prepared but also incredibly nutritious. These leafy greens are rich in iron, calcium, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in reducing joint pain and boosting overall health.

How to Safely Pick and Handle Nettles

Before you start cooking, you need to know how to safely forage and handle stinging nettles.

  • Where to Forage: Look for nettles in remote, pesticide-free areas, away from roadsides.
  • What to Wear: Wear thick gloves and bring scissors to avoid getting stung.
  • What to Pick: Choose young, tender leaves before the nettles start to flower.
  • How to Transport: Keep nettles separate from other items to prevent accidental stings.
Nettle and Wild Garlic Soup Recipe by Sally Strong
This soup is a lovely light meal perfect for spring.
CookpadSally Strong

How to Prepare Stinging Nettles for Cooking

Handling nettles properly is key to enjoying them without the sting. Here’s how:

  • Rinse Thoroughly: Wash the nettles under cold water to remove dirt and insects.
  • Blanch: Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This neutralizes the sting.
  • Drain and Squeeze: Let the nettles cool, then squeeze out excess water.
  • Remove Stems: Strip the leaves from the stems and they’re ready to cook.
Stinging Nettle and Lemon Cake (GF DF VG) Recipe by Genna
Another foraged recipe, and another adventure into gluten free and vegan baking. I wasn’t sure how this was going to turn out, as most of my gluten free cakes rely on eggs. But many of my friends are vegan and I didn’t want them to miss out on this celebration of spring. And I was pleasantly surpris…
CookpadGenna

What to Make with Stinging Nettles?

  1. Nettle Pesto:
    Blend blanched nettle leaves with olive oil, garlic, walnuts, and Parmesan for a vibrant, nutrient-packed pesto.
  2. Nettle Soup:
    Sauté onions and potatoes, then simmer with nettles and vegetable broth. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Nettle Frittata:
    Add blanched nettles to beaten eggs along with feta cheese and herbs for a spring-inspired frittata.
  4. Nettle Spanakopita:
    Swap spinach for nettles in this Greek classic, layering them with flaky phyllo pastry and tangy feta.
  5. Nettle Tea:
    Dry the leaves and steep them in hot water for a soothing, detoxifying tea.
Wild Garlic and Nettle Pesto Recipe by Sally Strong
It’s wild garlic season! I picked some with some young nettles to add a depth of flavour. I still have a lot left over so I might make some soup too. Be careful picking wild garlic and always make sure you only take enough you need. You can enjoy this with some parmesan cheese too to add some more f…
CookpadSally Strong
Fridge raid spring quiche Recipe by Clare Knivett
You can use any vegetables as a filling for this quiche, cooked leek or onion gives a nice sweetness and base but you could use sautéed mushrooms, roasted squash or other blanched greens. Blue cheese or goats cheese would also be tasty!
CookpadClare Knivett

What Do Stinging Nettles Taste Like?

Nettles have a mild, earthy flavour similar to spinach but with a slightly deeper, nuttier taste. This makes them a perfect addition to both savoury and fresh dishes, adding a touch of green goodness to every bite.

Cooking with Nettles: Pairing Suggestions

  • Pair nettles with creamy ingredients like ricotta or goat cheese.
  • Combine with potatoes for a hearty soup or mash.
  • Add a zesty punch by mixing with lemon, garlic, and olive oil in a pesto.
  • Blend nettles with other foraged greens like wild garlic or dandelion leaves.
Wild Mustard garlic leaf and red dead nettle & wild onion dolmas Recipe by Jack 5trange: Kitchen Alchemist
#wildfood #different Spring time is my time of the year for foraging. So much is available right outside. You can find many of these ingredients on the side of the road as you are walking down the street. Make sure you know how to identify your wild onion and garlic. When in doubt trust your nose. S…
CookpadJack 5trange: Kitchen Alchemist

Stinging nettles may seem intimidating, but once you learn how to handle and cook them, they become a versatile and nutrient-rich addition to your kitchen. Whether you’re making pesto, soup, or a savory pie, nettles bring a deliciously earthy flavor to springtime dishes. So why not give them a try and discover a new favorite foraged ingredient?