Nothing means warmth and sun and the end of winter to me more than picking nettles. My mom would always make her nettle soup as soon as the leaves were up, and it was manditory eating as it was known as a "spring tonic" that would clean the blood and just generally perk a person up. We never minded though, we always loved the green stuff as far as I can remember.
There are a few good patches around the property and it has been a joy these past few years to pick from them every spring. I did discover that collecting nettles with a toddler in tow is a little more challenging, what with the stinging bits and all, so I didn't get as many picked as I wanted. Just enough to toss in with some spinach to make a yummy spanikopita,
And serve it up outside in the sun.
Add a greek salad and a great big spoon and you have one happy, sunny, perky family!
It's funny, until very recently I thought nettle soup was eaten only in Finland. My husband makes wonderful nettle pesto. It's a treat.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of nettles before - I'll have to try it. Your food looks sooo yummy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for leaving a concerned comment on my blog ages ago. I've returned!!!
Hi thanks for the nettle ideas we had spinach and feta pie for tea last night and I didn't even think of adding nettles,so for I've only added them to soup and made tea. The nettle pesto sounds excellent too.
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