Main dishes

Nettle risotto

20 min Cook
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Nettle risotto

There’s something magical about foraging for wild greens, especially when they grow just off your yard. Often overlooked as a weed, stinging nettles are a springtime superfood, packed with iron, vitamins, and a uniquely earthy taste.

Nettle risotto is a refined plate, with a surprisingly delicate flavor. The only precaution when preparing this recipe is that you must wear gloves when cleaning and handling fresh nettles, as they can cause rashes and itching. Don’t worry, though: the cooking process removes their undesired effects, so they are completely safe to eat.

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Nettle risotto

Nettle risotto

corinthian
This recipe turns their bold flavor into a comforting risotto, where the nettles’ freshness shines alongside rich Arborio rice, white wine, and a touch of Parmesan. Whether you’re a seasoned forager or just curious about wild edibles, this dish is a delicious way to celebrate the season.
prep time
15 min
cooking time
20 min
servings
2
total time
35 min

Equipment

  • Gloves

  • Knife

  • Mixer/blender

  • Skillet

  • Casserole

Ingredients

  • A bunch of fresh nettles

  • 1/2 cup rice (Arborio or Basmati)

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 pinch of salt

  • 1 small onion

  • 3 cups vegetable broth

  • 1 teaspoon butter (or plant-based alternative)

  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese or Grana Padano

Instructions

1

Clean the nettles

Wear long gloves. Place the nettles in the sink and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Remove the leaves from the stems and discard the stems. Then, rinse the leaves again.
2

Cook the nettles

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add the nettles and gently stir them until they start to wilt (they should still be bright green). Season with a pinch of salt and set aside to cool down for one minute. Transfer to a colander and squeeze out the excess water.
3

Puree the nettles

Transfer the cooked nettles to a blender's cup and blend them to a puree.
4

Cook the rice

Heat the remaining olive oil in a casserole. Peel and thinly slice the onion and add it in. Gently stir until it becomes translucent. Then, add the rice and toast it by gently folding it in the olive oil until coated. Add a ladle of vegetable broth and allow it to evaporate while gently mixing. Add more broth and the nettle puree, and continue to cook for ~15 minutes, adding more broth as needed.
5

Season

When the rice is soft and fluffy, turn down to the heat to low, add the butter and the grated cheese and gently mix them in. Turn off the heat and set aside for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Choose the younger, smaller, more tender nettle leaves rather than the largest and thicker ones. If you want a cremier, fuller risotto style, use Arborio rice. If you want a lighter version, you can use Basmati.
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