It’s difficult to think of nettles in anything other than savoury but I hope this recipe will change your mind . The reason I like this recipe is because I wanted to find a use for the older nettle leaves that I can’t use for eating fresh like you do with the nettle tops. This is perfect with ice, goes nicely with a G&T and with tonic water.
I will often make this with the discarded nettle leaves I won’t use for making crisps.
Ingredients:
- 200g nettle leaves.
- 500g caster sugar.
- 4 Squeezed Lemons or 4tbsp lemon juice.
- 500 ml water.
Method:
- Put your nettles and water in a large pan and bring to the boil for 10 minutes.
- Strain the nettles out of the liquid through a fine mesh colander or a cloth.
- Take the strained juice and add the sugar to it.
- Put this back on the heat and warm slowly, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Allow it to cool and place in sterilised bottles.
- Use within 6 months, once opened keep in the fridge and use within 2 weeks.
- Enjoy with sparkling water, water or add to jellies, ice lollies to give a wild nettle flavour.
