Creamy Nettle Soup

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh nettles 500g (1.1 lb) fresh nettles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 6g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wear gloves to handle the fresh nettles and remove any tough stems.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced potatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes.
4. 4.
   Add the fresh nettles to the pot and stir until wilted.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. 6.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
7. 7.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and garnish with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Nettles — When handling fresh nettles, it is important to wear gloves to avoid stinging. Remove any tough stems before using them in the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the soup even creamier, you can add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche before serving.
• If fresh nettles are not available, you can use frozen nettles as a substitute.
• For a more substantial meal, serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Nettle Soup hot in individual bowls. Drizzle a little cream on top and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for an added touch of freshness. Accompany the soup with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Creamy Nettle Soup, serve it in shallow bowls to showcase its vibrant green color. Add a swirl of cream on top and sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs for an elegant touch. Pair it with a rustic bread basket to create a visually appealing and inviting presentation.