Urzici cu Usturoi (Nettle with Garlic)

Recipe

Urzici cu Usturoi (Nettle with Garlic)

Spring Delight: Nettle with Garlic - A Romanian Culinary Gem

3.7 out of 5

Urzici cu usturoi is a traditional Romanian dish that celebrates the arrival of spring. This recipe combines the vibrant flavors of fresh nettle leaves with the pungent aroma of garlic, resulting in a nutritious and flavorful dish.

Jan Dec
Vegetarian Dish› Vegan Dish› Urzici cu usturoi
European cuisine› Eastern European cuisine› Romanian cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

25 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Low-carb

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Nut-free, Soy-free, Paleo, Keto, High-protein

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the nettle leaves and blanch them for 1-2 minutes to remove their sting. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2.
    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. 3.
    Add the blanched nettle leaves to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until wilted.
  4. 4.
    Drizzle the lemon juice over the nettle leaves and season with salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
  5. 5.
    Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
  6. 6.
    Serve hot as a side dish or as a topping for toasted bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Nettle leaves — When handling fresh nettle leaves, it's important to wear gloves to avoid stings. Blanching the leaves removes their sting and makes them safe to handle and consume.

Tips & Tricks

  • If fresh nettle leaves are not available, you can use frozen nettle leaves as a substitute.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
  • Serve urzici cu usturoi as a side dish with grilled meats or as a topping for pasta or rice dishes.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day as a cold salad.

Serving advice

Serve urzici cu usturoi hot as a side dish or as a topping for toasted bread. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sautéed nettle leaves neatly on a serving platter and drizzle with a little extra olive oil for a glossy finish. Serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for squeezing over the dish.

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