A perennial herb having dark green, heart-shaped leaves and stinging hairs that irritate the skin.
Any plant of the genus Urtica. A nettle’s sawtoothed leaves contain hairs that secrete a fluid that irritates the skin.
A type of leafy green vegetable that is cooked similarly to spinach in Europe, and is regarded as not only nourishing but also delectable in flavor.
Embrace the youthful vigor of stinging nettles, imbued with a delightful hint of bitterness, as they present themselves as a delectable vegetable worthy of culinary exploration. Much like their leafy counterpart, spinach, these nettles undergo a transformation during the cooking process, shrinking in size, so it is advisable to allocate a generous cup per individual. To ensure utmost care, don a pair of gloves, safeguarding your hands as you meticulously separate the desirable leaves from unwanted weeds and extricate the nettles’ roots. Once washed and drained, immerse them in a bubbling cauldron of boiling water for a mere two minutes, swiftly discarding the liquid, before proceeding to gently simmer the nettles to a tender state, mirroring the cooking technique employed for spinach. Once drained and finely chopped, bestow upon them the gift of flavor through appropriate seasoning, a velvety pat of butter, and a lavish tablespoon of cream for every two bewitching bundles of nettles.