Nettle is a plant that grows wild in most climates all over the world, and anyone who has brushed up against nettles accidentally can attest that they are quite irritating. The leaves of the plant contain long hairs that inject a chemical into the skin that causes irritation when touched. That said, the nettle plant has long been known to have beneficial characteristics as well. It helps decrease inflammation and can lower blood sugar and blood pressure. It can be used as a tea, a tincture, and is often used in hair and skin tonics. The sting is neutralized when the leaf is cooked or steeped for tea.
This is a very quick soup to put together and if you are uncertain about working with nettles, spinach is a good substitute.
INSTRUCTIONS
Warm the olive oil in a soup pot.
Add onions, leeks and 1 teaspoon sea salt and pepper if using. Saute covered on a low heat until onions are translucent. Stir frequently and turn down heat if onions are starting to brown. You may add a little water if necessary.
When onions are translucent, add potato and water, stock or broth. Simmer until potato is tender.
Add all the nettles at once. Stir into the hot liquid until nettles have completely wilted.
Blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.
Taste and season with lemon juice, zest and additional salt if needed.
