Nettle Soup

Bob Z

Does anyone here make it?

Nevyn

I have, just make sure you get the very tender tips of the nettles which don't have any spines.

the beer revolu

+1 on the tender tips.
Use good chicken stock.

I use a little potato, onion, leek, celery, lots of nettles and a good amount of chives.
A dollop of natural yoghurt is good to serve.

Itsdacraic

Is it gone a little late for picking nettles? Or do you just have to search a bit harder to find young ones?

the beer revolu

April - May is the season really.
But I reckon you could still find young ones alright.

Bob Z

Do have to use young ones? Would old ones taste really bad?

Sapsorrow

Yep I make it fairly regularly, you could probably find young enough shoots if you tried, but definately steer clear of any that have gone to flower/seed they would be too tough and fibrous by now. Gotta have freshly grated nutmeg in it though!

johngalway

Bob Z wrote: »

Do have to use young ones? Would old ones taste really bad?

I was told that auld ones will leave you sitting on the loo for quite a while.

Nevyn

Bob Z wrote: »

Do have to use young ones? Would old ones taste really bad?

The older ones have the spines and the 'stinging' chemical in them the newer tender leaves don't.

duploelabs

Thaedydal wrote: »

The older ones have the spines and the 'stinging' chemical in them the newer tender leaves don't.

makes no difference, the heat kills the spines and the sting