This delightful soup brings together the earthy goodness of mushrooms with the zesty, wild side of stingy nettles. It’s like a woodland walk in a bowl—minus the mosquitos and with way more flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (the tears are worth it, I promise)
- 2 cups of mushrooms, sliced (choose your fungi friends wisely—cremini, shiitake, or portobello)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced (because there’s no such thing as too much garlic)
- 4 cups of fresh stingy nettles (handle with care—these greens come with a little sting!)
- 4 cups of water (for taming the nettles)
- 4 cups of vegetable broth or nettle cooking water (we don’t waste nutrients around here)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or butter for sautéing (choose your vice)
Instructions:
- Tame the Nettles:
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. With the confidence of someone who knows what they’re doing, toss in those nettles (with gloves, unless you enjoy a little sting).
- Blanch for 1-2 minutes, then fish them out and dunk them in ice water. The sting disappears, and they become your new best green friend.
- Squeeze out the excess water and set the nettles aside. Don’t toss that cooking water—it’s liquid gold!
- Sauté with Love:
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and sweet, about 5 minutes. Think of it as aromatherapy for the kitchen.
- Toss in the minced garlic and mushrooms. Let the mushrooms brown a little, which is like letting them reach their full flavor potential—around 7-8 minutes.
- Bring It All Together:
- Add the now-friendly nettles to the pot and stir everything together.
- Pour in the reserved nettle cooking water or vegetable broth (or a mix—live a little).
- Season with salt and pepper, taste, adjust, taste again. Perfection takes practice.
- Simmer & Blend:
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for 10-15 minutes. This is when the magic happens.
- If you like your soup smooth and sophisticated, blend it with an immersion blender. If you’re more into rustic charm, leave it chunky.
- Serve & Savor:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with olive oil or add a dollop of cream. Serve with crusty bread because that’s how soup reaches its full potential.
Geny Caloisi’s Tips:
- Nettle Handling: Nettles are like nature’s way of saying, “Handle with care.” Wear gloves unless you’re into surprise stings. But don’t worry, once cooked, they’re as gentle as a summer breeze.
- Don’t Waste the Good Stuff: The nettle cooking water is brimming with nutrients. Use it as your soup base or save it for another dish. It’s like recycling, but tastier.
- Mushroom Medley: Mix up your mushrooms for a soup that sings with flavor. Shiitake brings umami, cremini adds depth, and portobello says, “I’m hearty and I know it.”
- Make Ahead: This soup gets even better with time. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for a rainy day (or any day, really).
Why Nettles are Basically Superheroes in Plant Form:
Stingy nettles might be prickly, but they’re worth the effort. Here’s why:
- Nutrient Powerhouse: Nettles are packed with vitamins A, C, K, and a bunch of Bs. Plus, they’re loaded with minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. They’re basically the spinach of the wild.
- Inflammation Fighter: Nettles have anti-inflammatory properties, making them a natural ally against aches, pains, and that one joint that always acts up.
- Detox Dynamo: Nettles are a natural diuretic, which means they help your body flush out toxins. Think of them as your kidneys’ best friend.
- Breathe Easy: Nettles have natural antihistamine properties, which can help with allergies. So, if pollen’s got you down, nettles might just be your hero.
- Immune Booster: With their high vitamin C content, nettles help keep your immune system in fighting shape. Consider them your green shield.
- Bone Builder: Thanks to the calcium and vitamin K in nettles, your bones will thank you. Strong bones, strong you!
Enjoy this soup knowing you’re nourishing your body with every spoonful. And next time you see a patch of nettles, you might just thank them for the delicious meal they can become!