Not everyone knows that nettle can be used in cooking. The plant is more often found in folk medicine recipes.
We will tell you how to cook the most delicious green borscht from it, when to collect the herb and what part of the plant can be used.
Benefits of nettle
In terms of ascorbic acid, this weed is not inferior to blackcurrant berries. Nettle also contains vitamins B, A, improves metabolism, is good for vision, skin and immunity.
What and when to collect
A young plant is suitable for soup or borsch. Collection can be carried out from the beginning of May to July inclusive. For this, the top of one bush is cut off - it is the most useful.
To prepare you will need:
- chicken legs - 2 pcs.;
- a bunch of nettles;
- potatoes - 3 pcs.;
- onion - 1 pc.;
- carrots - 1 pc.;
- eggs - 3 pcs.;
- a bunch of dill;
- salt to taste.
How to cook
The eggs need to be hard-boiled. The chicken needs to be made into broth.
The nettles need to be placed in a bowl and poured with boiling water, leaving for 2-5 minutes - this will help remove the bitterness from the leaves, and after this the nettles will not sting.
Then the water is drained, the leaves are squeezed and chopped together with the greens.
Add peeled and chopped potatoes to the broth, and after 2 minutes add grated carrots and onions (or whole ones).
Cook for 15 minutes, add chopped eggs, herbs, bring to a boil and turn off the heat.
Let it sit for 10 minutes and serve.
Bon appetit!
