Spring Nettle Pesto Pasta

Here’s a simple recipe for Spring Nettle Pasta. I found these prickly little guys one day while meandering through the Ballard Farmers Market, in Seattle…or rather, they found me. While I was admiring and photographing some other more showy vegetables-  red, yellow and orange carrots- the nettles practically reached and grabbed me, scratching me gently on the wrist, as if to say, I’m here and you really should get to know me. How could I refuse? Since then, I’ve fallen madly in love with them.

Don’t let these scary guys fool you with their bad reputation for stinging.  Nettles have long been considered one of the most healing plants available to us on the planet. The list of health benefits is truly astonishing -with some of the standouts being nettle’s incredibly high iron content,  liver supporting properties, anti inflammatory properties, and cleansing and detoxing qualities. In much of what I’ve seen and read, nettles are especially beneficial to women- reducing PMS symptoms and even menopausal symptoms. And seriously, this is just the tip of the iceberg. I encourage you to do your own research and see for yourself.

Health benefits aside, there is another reason to incorporate nettles into our diets this Spring. They actually taste really amazing! They have an earthy and mysteriously herbaceous flavor — unexpectedly delicious in pesto. This simple spring pasta is fast and easy to make, and really highlights the nettle flavor.

Nettles grow in the wild like dandelions. Their vibrant green, saw-toothed leaves are covered in fine “stingers” giving stinging nettles their intimidating name. Once cooked, the little stingers melt away. So remember, just cook them first. One of the easiest ways, is just to blanch them for a minute or two in boiling water. They can also be sautéed, or even roasted. Once cooked they can be used as you would spinach. Try them in Spanakopita, fritatta or even stuffed in ravioli. Once cooked they are harmless and are an amazing source of flavor and nutrition.

Fresh nettles are in season now, and can be found at many farmers markets. Locally, Josh Yate, from Gourmet Foragables  currently has them available to order and will begin selling them at the Thursday Market  on South Perry Street this month.

A simple fast way to extract the nutrients from nettles is to make a fresh nettle tea. Pick a handful of nettle tops wearing gloves. Place the tops in a teapot or french press and pour over  boiling water. Steep for ten minutes, strain and drink. The tea is a beautiful green color, and rich in nutrients.

My dear friend Tonia Schemmel, my Mizuna partner, swears by them. I remember her telling me some years ago that she was had anemia. A healer, she cured herself, by making nettle tinctures and teas. Her iron levels increased exponentially. I am in awe of incredible healing power of plants.

When making nettle pesto, remember that blanching greatly reduces the amount of nettles. What once started off as 3-4 cups of nettles, ended up being only about a cup after blanching.

Blend with traditional pesto ingredients…olive oil, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan, and you end up with a  delicious twist on the traditional basil pesto.

Toss with your favorite pasta and garnish with lemon zest, and grated Parmesan.

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