Nettle pie

Delicious Nettle Tart: a simple and healthy recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Discovering a recipe that combines natural flavors with a savory taste can be a real pleasure. The nettle tart is a dish that not only blends culinary tradition but also brings a touch of health to the plate. Nettles, these often-overlooked wild plants, are rich in vitamins and minerals, being an excellent source of iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Moreover, the tart is a hearty and savory dish, perfect for a light dinner or as an appetizer at parties.

Before we get started, let’s take a look at the necessary ingredients and prepare for a cooking session full of flavor!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 400 g flour
- 200 g lard (at room temperature)
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet baking powder
- salt and pepper to taste

For the filling:
- 500 g nettles (boiled and drained)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 300 ml milk
- 100 g sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with salt, pepper, and baking powder. This mixture will give a slightly fluffy texture to the dough.
2. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the lard at room temperature, along with the beaten eggs.
3. Start kneading the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth. If the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
4. Once the dough is smooth, wrap it in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the lard to firm up, which will help the dough have a perfect texture after baking.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. In a skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the tablespoon of flour and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes. This will help bind the ingredients and give a creamier texture to the filling.
3. Add the boiled and drained nettles, mixing well. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine.
4. Pour the milk into the skillet and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Now is the time to ensure that the mixture is well seasoned with salt and pepper.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the beaten eggs with the sour cream and crushed garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are well incorporated. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding it to the dough.

Step 3: Assembling the tart

1. Once the dough has cooled, roll it out on a floured surface to about 5 mm thick.
2. Place the dough in the baking pan lined with parchment paper, making sure to prick it with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
3. Pour the nettle mixture into the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
4. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the tart for 30-40 minutes or until the crust turns golden and crispy.

Serving and suggestions

Once the tart is ready, let it cool slightly before slicing. It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for both a family dinner and a festive meal. You can accompany this tart with a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or a flavored yogurt sauce.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment with other ingredients, you can replace the nettles with spinach or even a combination of vegetables. You can also add feta cheese for a more intense flavor or use butter instead of lard for a creamier dough.

Useful tips

- Caring for nettles: When picking nettles, make sure to choose the young ones, which have tender leaves and are easier to prepare.
- Flour: You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier dough, but it will be denser.
- Storage: The tart can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven to regain its crispiness.

Nutritional benefits

Nettles are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and calcium. Regular consumption of nettles can help strengthen the immune system and maintain bone health. Therefore, this tart is not only tasty but also beneficial for health!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen nettles?
Yes, frozen nettles are an excellent option. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.

What drinks pair well with this tart?
A nettle tart pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a cold herbal tea, which will contrast nicely with the rich flavors of the filling.

In conclusion, this nettle tart is a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines health with culinary tradition. Whether you prepare it for family or for a gathering with friends, it will surely impress with its authentic taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment and add your personal touches to make this tart a true favorite!

 Ingredients: Dough 200 g lard 400 g flour 2 eggs salt pepper 1 packet baking powder Filling 500 g nettles (boiled) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon flour 2 cloves garlic 300 ml milk 100 g sour cream 2 eggs 1 onion salt pepper

 Tags:  nettle pie