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Nettle Frittata

17/11/2023

Nettle frittata is a traditional rustic and healthy dish. Nettles, despite their reputation as a stinging plant, once cooked, lose their stinging properties and become a nutritious and tasty ingredient. Here is how to prepare nettle frittata:

Ingredients

  • 200 g of young nettles
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Butter to taste (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by picking the nettles, preferably the younger and tender leaves. Wear gloves to avoid getting stung during the picking and cleaning of the nettles.
  2. Wash them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any soil residues. Then, blanch them for a few minutes in boiling salted water. This process will eliminate the stinging power of the nettles.
  3. Drain the nettles and squeeze them well to remove excess water. Then, roughly chop them with a knife.
  4. In a pan, fry a clove of garlic in extra virgin olive oil. As soon as the garlic turns golden, remove it and add the chopped nettles. Let them flavor for a couple of minutes.
  5. In the meantime, beat the eggs in a bowl, add the grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and mix well.
  6. Remove the garlic from the pan and pour the beaten eggs over the nettles. Stir briefly to distribute the nettles evenly.
  7. Cook the frittata over medium-low heat. If you like, you can add some flakes of butter around the edges of the frittata to enrich its flavor.
  8. When the edges start to detach and the bottom is golden, with the help of a plate or lid, flip the frittata and cook the other side until it reaches the desired browning.
  9. Once cooked, transfer the frittata to a serving dish and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Curiosities

Nettle is a plant with several health benefits, rich in vitamins (A, C, and K), minerals (iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium), and essential amino acids. In Italian cuisine, it is often used to prepare soups, risottos, and indeed frittatas. Its use is not limited to traditional cuisine but is also rediscovered in modern and gourmet cooking.

Nettle Frittata