Stinging Nettle Pesto
A delicious and nutritious foraged food that is delicious on pasta, pizza, sandwiches, or as a dip with crackers.
Ingredients
  • 6cups fresh stinging nettle leaves
  • 4-8 cloves garlicto taste
  • 1/2cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cupcup nuts or seedspine, almond, walnuts, or sunflower seeds
  • 1/4-1/2cup olive oil
  • 1tbsp lemon juice
  • salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot to boil and while you are waiting, remove the nettle leaves from the stems. Continue to wear gloves during this process.
  2. Once your water is boiling, using tongs, blanche your nettle leaves for 1-2 minutes. This will remove the sting.
  3. Immediately place your nettles in a bowl of ice (or very cold) water. This stops the cooking process and allows the nettle to retain its amazing colour.
  4. Once cooled, squeeze as much water out of your nettle as possible. Place it on a kitchen towel to dry.
  5. Peel and add your garlic, cheese, and nuts/seeds of choice to your food processor. Add in the nettle leaves.
  6. Pulse until all your ingredients are well mixed. With your food processor on, add your lemon juice first and then your olive oil. Start with 1/4 cup of oil and increase until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!