Nettle Noodles

Nettles can be found in the wild just about anywhere. They grow in small patches and are identified by the fine stinging hairs that grow on the stem and underside of the leaves. Avoid nettles growing near roadways. They can be contaminated by motor oil and car exhaust. You MUST wear gloves to gather them. Avoid touching any part of the nettles until you have a chance to wash them. Fill your sink with cold water and dump them in. Using a pair of tongs toss them in the water. Now they can be handled safely. Separate the tops and leaves from the stems and discard the stems. The nettles are ready to be used. You can store them in your fridge until you are ready to use them. They can be enjoyed fresh, but the leaves are a little tough. For salads I recommend using only tops and tossing them with your traditional greens. They are mostly enjoyed cooked lightly in lots of boiling salted water, drained, tossed in a little butter, salt, and pepper, and eaten hot. Nettles can be used with or in place of spinach in your recipes. Earlier this week I made pasta with them and it came out great. Pasta is very easy to make and is a delight to eat. Save this recipe and try it next week for a little Wow at dinner.

1/2 lb. nettles, cleaned, picked, and blanched
4 eggs
1 lb. semolina or durum flour
1/2 T salt

Place the flour on a work surface or in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Squeeze as much liquid out of the cooked nettles before using them. Chop them very fine or grind them in a food processor. Beat the eggs and combine with the nettles and the salt. Pour the liquid into the well. Gently begin to add the flour to the liquid. Combine until it forms a firm ball. Remove it from the flour, there should be some left around the edges. Knead the dough for five minutes and let rest. When you are ready to cook, poll out your pasta, THIN. It should be firm, but smooth, and as thin as you can get it. Cut the pasta into 1/4 to 1/ inch strips and boil in lots of salted water until tender but still toothsome. Fresh pasta cooks fairly quickly and will float to the top of the water when cooked, 3-5 minutes. Enjoy this pasta with your choice of sauce or just with a little butter or garlic softened in olive oil.

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