FREE pesto superfood !!
Discovering the Power of Stinging Nettles: A Vitamin-Packed Pesto Recipe !! 🌿
As the world becomes increasingly focused on nutrition and healthy eating, foraging for wild ingredients has emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective way to boost meals with nutrient-rich foods. One such ingredient that is often overlooked is stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). This seemingly humble plant is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a fantastic base for a vibrant and nutritious pesto. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of stinging nettles and guide you through making your very own pesto.
The Nutritional Benefits of Stinging Nettles
Stinging nettles are more than just a pesky plant that can give you a nasty sting! They are packed with vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins, as well as essential minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making them an excellent addition to a balanced diet.
Foraging for stinging nettles is also a sustainable practice, as they grow abundantly in the wild, often in damp and shady areas. Just make sure to wear gloves when handling them, as their tiny hairs can cause a stinging sensation.
How to Prepare Stinging Nettles for Pesto
Before diving into the pesto recipe, you’ll need to gather and prepare your stinging nettles. Here are some tips:
1. Harvesting - Wear gloves when picking fresh stinging nettles in the spring or early summer. Look for young, tender leaves, as they are the most flavorful. Avoid areas that may have been sprayed with pesticides.
2. Washing Rinse the nettles thoroughly to remove dirt and insects.
3. Blanching To neutralize the sting, quickly blanch the nettles in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, remove excess water by gently squeezing the leaves.
Stinging Nettle Pesto Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh stinging nettle leaves, blanched and drained
- ½ cup nuts (e.g., pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients - In a food processor, combine the blanched stinging nettles, nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Blend the Mixture - Pulse the ingredients together until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add Olive Oil - With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You can add more olive oil if you prefer a smoother pesto.
4. Season -Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
5. Serve or Store -Your stinging nettle pesto is ready to enjoy! Serve it with pasta, as a spread on sandwiches, or as a dip with fresh vegetables. If you have leftovers, store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
Making pesto from stinging nettles not only introduces an adventurous and semi dangerous 😂 twist to a classic recipe but also provides a delightful way to incorporate nutrient-dense wild greens into your diet. The next time you come across these leafy wonders, remember their culinary potential and whip up a batch of this vitamin-packed pesto. Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you! Happy foraging and cooking!
need a video guide to making this recipe here is the link 👇
https://youtu.be/FVlBNHANFow?si=I_TN7YHQICEncncV
Let us know how you get on
Gary & Jay
