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.
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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Spring Pasta with Nettle Pesto
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 3-4
- Category: Pasta, vegetarian, spring
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: Northwest
Description
Spring Pasta with nettle Pesto, toasted pine nuts and lemon zest. Full of nutrients and so delicious!
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine- (or any pasta, I used spinach flavored)
- 3– 4 cups raw stinging nettles
- 2– 3 medium garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted- reserving 1 T for garnish
- 1/4 cup good quality extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground pepper ( white or black)
- ¼ C Parmesan cheese, finely grated -reserving 1 T for garnish
- 1 T lemon zest -for garnish
Instructions
- Bring generously salted water to boil in a pot big enough to hold nettles and stems. Once boiling, using tongs, place the nettles in the pot (stems ok). Blanch in rapidly boiling water for 1 ½ minutes. Using tongs, remove from water and place in ice water bath, to chill rapidly. Separate leaves from bigger stems, placing all leaves and some of the smaller stems on a clean kitchen towel. Wring dry. You should have just about 1 cup of nettles.
- Place them in a food processor with the pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, cheese, salt, pepper and oil. Pulse until until uniform, but not too smooth. Scrape down sides to make sure all is combined.
- Boil pasta in generously salted water. Often I’ll just re-use the nettle water over again (whatever you prefer). Once pasta is cooked to al dente, remove with tongs and immediately toss with the pesto. Taste and adjust salt and lemon. Add chili flakes if you like!
- Garnish with lemon zest (important), pine nuts, and grated Parmesan, serve immediately.
Keywords: nettle pesto, nettle recipes, nettle pasta recipe, nettle pesto recipe, how to cook with nettles, nettle recipes, spring recipes
Can nettles be used in late spring and summer? Its the middle of June and I have so many nettles I could farm them lol
Yes, they can! Best to use the top 4 inches of the plant.
Can this be made vegan?
I haven’t tried, but probably, give it a go!
used home-made pasta and added some tomatoes- it was delightful!
★★★★★
Great!
thanks! came out great ! I have lots of nettles in my garden.
★★★★★
Thanks Shirley! Glad you liked this!
Sylvia,
We want to make this but cannot find stinging nettles. Would dandelion leaves be a substitute or do you have other suggestions. If yes, should I blanch them also.
Chris a d Tom
Hi Chris, great question! I have not personally tired with dandelion. I’m not sure you would have to blanch, I’d try with out blanching. Give a try? Let me know if you do and how it turned out.
Hi! I have cooked with dandelion leaves before and they can absolutely replace any green in most recipes. I’d blanch them once or twice as they tend to be bitter. Make sure you have a bowl of ice water nearby once you are done blanching them.
This recipe with nettles is absolutely delicious and everyone in my house loved it.
★★★★★
Thanks Val!
Where are these bowls from?
Anthropologie!
This is stunning – I am absolutely in love, xo!
I love how many dishes I’ve seen this Spring using nettles! I had no idea they were so versatile, I’ll have to give this recipe a try!
Thanks for the nettle tutorial Sylvia. I have never tried them and now I can hardly wait. Will check out our Farmers’ Market here in NC.
Nettles growing like crazy here in Ireland just now so I’m off to pick some. Thank you!
Sounds so dreamy!
Hi Sylvia, this really looks good, I live the idea of foraging for some types of food and I believe nettles can be one of them. Great recipe and pics!
This looks great! I love the Ballard Market – it’s wonderful!
It’s the best!!!
Someone was just telling me how wonderful nettles were the other day, I’ve never tried them — this recipe is just what I need to inspire me, I’ll check for them at our farmer’s market this weekend! I love different spins on classic pesto, even perfection can get a little boring after a while 😉
I agree!