02.10.20 (Not) Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is no joke, grab them without gloves and you will pay the price of tons of tiny little hair-like stingers all over you. It’s a wonder that nature creates plants that seem to want to be left alone and yet possess impressive healing properties. Stinging nettle is said to relieve arthritis, reduce inflammation and so much more. I figured I was doing our neighborhood a favor by collecting some. And then I did myself an even greater favor by making stinging nettle pesto. Seriously this is so good I should add a swear word. The only problem is, this is not actually stinging nettle, as I found out later, it is nettle-leaved goosefoot. Go here to see the real McCoy.
How to make stinging nettle pesto:
Collect stinging nettles, use gloves, tongs and scissors (I loosely filled a paper bag)
Soak nettles in cold water for 5 minutes.
Using tongs and scissors, cut leaves from stems.
Boil new water and cook leaves for 1 minute.
Strain nettles and save water for tea.
Using tongs, squeeze all excess water out of nettles.
Blend nettles (mine reduced to about 1 cup worth), 1/3 c olive oil, 2 TBS pumpkin seeds, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 clove garlic and 1 TBS lemon juice.
We added a spoonful of this delicious stuff to everything, roasted vegetables, eggs, etc. If you didn’t hear it the first time, trust me, it is SO good…