Irish Nettle Soup

Description

Dried nettle leaves, when crushed and steeped in water, make tea. Fresh nettle leaves, after being boiled several times, are good spinach substitutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pint young nettle tops
• 1 oz butter
• 1 oz oatmeal
• 10 oz water, stock or milk
• salt and pepper

Directions

Wear rubber gloves when you wash young nettle tops in cold water. Do this several times. Chop nettle tops finely. In a saucepan, melt butter. Add oatmeal and fry until golden brown. Add water, stock or milk. Bring mixture to a boil. Stir constantly. Add chopped nettle tops, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil then simmer for 45 minutes over low heat. Serves 4.