A local 'farmer' just gave me a bunch of nettles. I had learned to stay away from them as a kid,

M

Marg CDN

Well-known member
but now since I have only one bag, if anyone who has eaten them, could help me figure out how best to like them, I'd appreciate it.

The locals eat nettles in ravioli and the occasional sauce. Can anyone tell me what the flavour actually compares to? I did search it herein, but really would like to know what the flavour is.

I'm kinda thinking of just doing a pasta with nettles and ricotta sauce.

 
I can't say I've tasted them, but some of my gardeners swear by them. I hear you can steam them

like spinach or make them into healthful teas, full of antioxidants and all kinds or worthy stuff. (I believe that if it's good for you nature would make it taste good, but then I've never tasted it.)

I've heard it's a bit bitter so I'm imagining it would resemble arugula, which would be delicious with ricotta and pasta. Why not wilt a stem or two and taste it?

And let us know how it is. They grow wild in some of our gardens and I always try to get rid of them to avoid stings and lawsuits. Maybe I'm missing something tasty?

 
Take a leaf, roll it up chiffonade-style with the stingers inside. You can sample a piece raw.

I was at an event recently and the chef showed me that. His comment, "It tastes like you're walking in the forest." I totally agree. Earthy, dewy forest.

I usually see nettles in soup, pasta dough or gnocchi. Personally, I think the flavor is lost in pasta/gnocchi.

 
I've made nettle soup and nettle pesto. You can basically compare nettles to spinach.

Just make sure you blanch the leaves before you use them in a dish (You only use the leaves from the nettle plant). Otherwise they might sting smileys/smile.gif

 
This was a fun adventure. Thanks for the help. I used only the leaves, pulled off with 2 pairs of

tongs. I really enjoyed the flavour, something like a mix of spinach and arugula. I sure was careful of every little green speck that appeared in my kitchen though, for an entire day. Wow! Those guys look vicious.

 
I'm glad you enjoyed them. And if I remember correctly, they're supposed to be very healthy also smileys/smile.gif

 
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