Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 cups fresh nettle leaves, washed and chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or immersion blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Add the chicken or vegetable broth, nettle leaves, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
5. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream (if using).
6. Reheat the soup over low heat until warmed through.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
5. Temperature:
Simmer over low heat.
Serving size:
Makes 6 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use spinach or kale instead of nettle leaves.
- You can use dried thyme instead of fresh.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier soup.
- Add chopped carrots or celery for extra vegetables.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
Tips and tricks:
- Wear gloves when handling nettle leaves to avoid getting stung.
- If you don't have a blender or immersion blender, you can mash the soup with a potato masher or fork.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the soup over low heat on the stove or in the microwave.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in bowls with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on top.
Garnishes:
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Croutons
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Be careful when handling nettle leaves, as they can cause skin irritation.
- Make sure the soup is heated to a safe temperature before serving.
Food history:
Nettle soup is a traditional dish in many European countries, where nettles are foraged in the spring and used in a variety of recipes.
Flavor profiles:
This soup has a savory, earthy flavor from the nettle leaves and thyme, with a creamy texture from the potatoes and cream.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the soup as a first course or as a light lunch or dinner.
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Taste: Savory, Herbal, Earthy, Comforting, Nutty