I can't read the word "nesto" without hearing the exclamation point in my head. Nesto!
But don't worry, this isn't a cooking blog, and that is the end of the monologue.
You'll need these supplies for harvesting:
- gloves
- scissors or clippers
- a bag (NOT mesh)
- access to a safe and legal source for harvesting wild nettles
You'll need these supplies for nesto-ing:
- the largest pot you own
- heat-safe tongs
- optional: a steamer basket that fits inside the pot
- a colander
- cutting board
- knife
- food processor (ideal) or blender (less ideal but I hear it can be done)
You'll need these ingredients:
- fresh nettles (not dried)
- basil (optional)
- nuts (I prefer walnuts, but other options abound)
- parmesan cheese (in a wedge, not pre-shredded, not in a green can)
- 1 or two Meyer lemons (yes, you can use regular lemons, but it's better with the Meyers)
- a clove of garlic (or more if you like it a lot)
- a pinch of salt
- olive oil
Boil Water
Step 1:
Choose your LARGEST pot for this.
Add Fresh Nettles
Step 2:
Using your tongs, add the fresh nettles to the boiling water. Set timer for 3 mins.
If you have a steamer basket that will fit in the pot, gently add it. If not, use your tongs to hold the nettles under the surface of the water.
Drain, Rinse, and Squeeze
Step 3:
Remove steamer basket, if used, and strain nettles in colander in sink. Rinse with cold water until no longer hot, to stop the cooking and retain the bright green color. When cool to the touch, ball up cooked nettles and press out the water.
Chop and Estimate
Step 4:
Eyeball the size of the ball - I called this one about two cups.
Rough-chop the nettles, and add to the food processor.
(If you don't rough chop first, the stems will end up wound around the center of the food processor, unprocessed.)
Parmesan
Step 5:
Use 1 part parmesan for every 2-3 parts cooked-and-squeezed nettles. Cut the cheese into 1 inch cubes, add to the food processor along with the nettles, and blend until smooth, adding olive oil as needed to make it come together.
Everything Else
Step 6:
Add all the other ingredients...
For every 3 parts nettles, add 1 part walnuts, 1/2 part olive oil, sprinkle of salt, whatever basil you have lying around, a clove of garlic, and the juice of a whole meyer lemon (or less of a regular lemon). Mix in food processor till smooth.
Taste and Adjust
Step 7:
Taste and adjust as desired. If bland, add the juice of a second Meyer lemon, and a bit more salt.
EAT IT UP!
Use as a dip for pita chips, tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies. Could also be tossed with pasta, stuffed inside ravioli, used as a base on bruschetta, etc. Keep in the fridge in an airtight container.
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