Nettle Champ
Nettles have been valued in Ireland since ancient times not only as a food, but also as a purifier of the blood. The belief is still strong particularly among older people in the country that one should have at least three dinners of nettles every spring
SERVES
4
PEOPLE
PREP TIME
60
MINUTES
COOKING TIME
90
MINUTES
Ingredients
675g old potatoes, e.g. Golden Wonders
25-30g chopped nettle (50g starting weight before destalking)
300ml milk
25-50g butter
salt and freshly ground pepper
Method
Scrub the potatoes and cook in boiling salted water until tender.
Meanwhile, chop the young nettle tops and cook in the milk for approx. 20 minutes.
As soon as the potatoes are cooked, drain and peel immediately while they are still hot.
Mash until soft and free of lumps. Pour in the boiling milk, add the nettles and a good lump of butter, beat until soft and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Serve hot with a lump of butter melting into the centre.
