Serbian Nettle Soup

Ingredients

In Serbian cuisine, the Čorba od kopriva (Nettle Soup) is quite similar to the Croatian version. However, Serbian Nettle Soup often includes the addition of sour cream, which gives it a creamy and tangy flavor. This adaptation enhances the overall taste and adds a unique touch to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Čorba od kopriva, so you can check it out.

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

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the nettles thoroughly and remove any tough stems or wilted leaves.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. 4.
   Carefully add the nettles to the pot, stirring them into the broth. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. 5.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
6. 6.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve hot and garnish with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Nettles — When handling fresh nettles, it's important to wear gloves to avoid stinging. After washing the nettles, blanch them in boiling water for a minute to remove any remaining stinging properties.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find fresh nettles, you can use frozen nettles as a substitute.
• Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more vegetable broth if desired.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Serbian Nettle Soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Accompany it with a slice of warm bread for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top of the soup and garnish with a few fresh nettle leaves. Serve it in individual bowls or in a large soup tureen for a family-style gathering.