Nettle Soup

Collecting Nettles for Soup

You need to wear gloves to avoid being stung while collecting your bounty, though once cooked the nettle's sting disappears. For the soup you need to collect enough nettles to about half fill a supermarket carrier bag - the absolute amount is not critical. Pick only the nettle tops and go for the younger, brighter green leaves.

Ingredients

Method

Wash the nettles in cold water and drain. Pat dry with a clean towel. Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium temperature and add the onions, nettles and potato. Stir to coat the with the butter and 'sweat' them in the saucepan for about 5 minutes. The nettles should be well wilted. Pour the stock and the milk into the saucepan, bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Pour into a blender and zap. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with cream and fresh parsley and accompanied by crusty bread.