Nettle soup is a traditional dish in many parts of the world, especially in Europe and Asia. It is made from the young leaves of the stinging nettle plant, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Nettle soup has many health benefits, such as boosting immunity, improving digestion, lowering blood pressure and relieving allergies.

But how do you make nettle soup that is not only nutritious but also tasty? In this article, we will show you how to prepare nettle soup in a simple and easy way, using fresh or dried nettles, along with other ingredients like potatoes, onions, garlic, cream and herbs. We will also give you some tips on how to avoid getting stung by the nettles and how to store them for later use.

To make nettle soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• Nettles: You can use fresh or dried nettles for this recipe. Fresh nettles are more flavorful and tender, but they have to be harvested in spring or early summer, when they are young and have not flowered yet. Dried nettles are available all year round and can be rehydrated in water before cooking. You will need about 4 cups of fresh or 2 cups of dried nettles for 4 servings of soup.
• Potatoes: Potatoes add creaminess and thickness to the soup, as well as some carbohydrates and fiber. You can use any type of potatoes you like, but we recommend using waxy potatoes like Yukon gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape better and don’t turn mushy. You will need about 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced, for 4 servings of soup.
• Onion: Onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup, as well as some vitamin C and antioxidants. You can use any type of onion you like, but we recommend using yellow or white onion, as they are milder and sweeter than red or green onion. You will need about 1 medium onion, chopped, for 4 servings of soup.
• Garlic: Garlic adds a punch of flavor and aroma to the soup, as well as some antibacterial and antiviral properties. You can use fresh or minced garlic for this recipe, depending on your preference. You will need about 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced, for 4 servings of soup.
• Cream: Cream adds richness and smoothness to the soup, as well as some fat and protein. You can use heavy cream or half-and-half for this recipe, depending on how creamy you want your soup to be. You can also use dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk if you are vegan or lactose intolerant. You will need about 1 cup of cream or alternative for 4 servings of soup.
• Herbs: Herbs add freshness and color to the soup, as well as some additional flavor and nutrients. You can use any herbs you like for this recipe, but we recommend using parsley or mint, as they complement the nettle flavor well. You can also use other herbs like basil, thyme or rosemary if you prefer. You will need about 1/4 cup of fresh or 2 tablespoons of dried herbs for 4 servings of soup.
• Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper add seasoning and balance to the soup, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. You can use any type of salt and pepper you like for this recipe, but we recommend using sea salt or kosher salt and black pepper or white pepper for a more natural taste. You will need about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper for 4 servings of soup.
• Water or broth: Water or broth adds liquid and volume to the soup, making it easier to blend and serve. You can use plain water or vegetable broth for this recipe, depending on how flavorful you want your soup to be. You can also use chicken broth or beef broth if you are not vegetarian or vegan. You will need about 4 cups of water or broth for 4 servings of soup.

To make nettle soup, you will need to follow these steps: