With cold weather looming, soups become a favorite of mine. Not only to warm the body, but some soups, like the one below, can help boost the immune system and help to combat those annoying colds. Soups are also wonderfully adaptable. If one wishes to add meats or vegetables, then all one needs to do is make simple adjustments to the liquid, though this particular soup is excellent just as it is.
Traditional Irish Nettle Soup
Edited & adapted by Rising Wolf Kitchen
Traditional Irish Nettle Soup
Edited & adapted by Rising Wolf Kitchen
Serves 6-8 people
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups nettles (leaves only), finely chopped
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup fine oatmeal
3 3/4 cups vegetable or chicken stock (recipe below)
1 1/4 cups skim milk
1 tsp fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh basil, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh sage, finely chopped
*Note that dry herbs may be used, just cut the amounts in half.
Method:
1. Combine all of the fresh herbs in a food processor or blender, or chop finely.
Method:
1. Combine all of the fresh herbs in a food processor or blender, or chop finely.
2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan
3. Add the oatmeal and cook until the mixture is golden brown
4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the stock
5. Bring to the boil and add the milk
6. Bring back to the boil and add the chopped nettles, herbs, and garlic.
7. Simmer for 20-30 and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper if desired.
3. Add the oatmeal and cook until the mixture is golden brown
4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the stock
5. Bring to the boil and add the milk
6. Bring back to the boil and add the chopped nettles, herbs, and garlic.
7. Simmer for 20-30 and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper if desired.
Allergy Warning: This posted recipe contains dairy.
Resources: Original recipe edited and adapted from Irish Cooking, published by Crescent Books, NY
If you decide to try this recipe (and pick your own herbs), be sure to wear gloves when gathering the nettles - and choose only the young bright green leaves. Remove any stalks and chop up the leaves. Use a food-processor if you have one as it will do the job in a fraction of the time.
If you forget the gloves and get 'stung' by the nettles, find some dock leaves and rub the spot with the leaf. The pain will disappear. The secret to avoiding the sting is to grasp the nettle quickly and firmly (thus the ancient phrase "grasp the nettle" meaning "be swift and bold"). A light touch will produce the sting. Still, gloves are much easier. (Bridget Haggerty)
Timely recipe! Hubby is now into using nettles and usually makes tea with the leaves.
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