BIG TOP DINING
NETTLE SOUP
‘Nettles have a flavour that’s almost indescribable - rich, but also sour and fresh’
Serves 6 Preparation time 25-30 minutes Cooking time 35 minutes
“Nettles have a flavour that’s almost indescribable – rich but also sour and fresh – which is perhaps why I like them so much. Also, I can’t think of an ingredient we find in such abundance wherever we pitch up. Needless to say, wear gloves when foraging for them.”
INGREDIENTS
• A knob of butter• 1 onion, peeled and diced• 2 celery sticks, diced• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced• 2 bay leaves• 2 large potatoes, peeled and sliced• 1½ltr/2½pt vegetable stock• 1 handful of fresh spinach• 3-4 handfuls of young nettles, well washed• Sea salt and ground white pepper• Vegetable oil, for deep frying• Crème fraîche and toasted mixed seeds to serve (optional)
