Nettles: a good weed from Liz Earle Wellbeing

We came across these rather fab recipes, in which our friend Liz Earle helps nettles shake their notoriously prickly reputation this springtime, with a host of delicious, seasonal recipes that will have you embracing one of nature’s most nutritional plants in no time. They feature in her new digital magazine, Liz Earle Wellbeing - and the whole Spring issue is bursting with recipes and beauty tips that are set to make you glow inside and out. (And hey - nettles are free!) NETTLE PESTO

This mix of nettle, Parmesan and pine nuts makes a really tasty pesto, especially served with spelt pasta or brown rice.

Makes 2 jars

200g nettles 75g pine nuts, toasted 75g freshly grated Parmesan 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped Zest and juice of 1 lemon 100ml olive oil, plus extra to cover

Plunge the nettles into a large pan of boiling, salted water and cook for 2 minutes, then drain and immediately place into a bowl of ice-cold water. Drain again and pat dry with kitchen paper to remove any excess water. Break the nettle leaves off the stem with your fingers and drop them into the bowl of a food processor with the pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest and juice. Pulse the mixture until it is finely chopped, then slowly add the olive oil and whizz until well combined. Check for seasoning and use immediately, or pour into a jar or container and cover with a little olive oil to seal and keep in the fridge for up to a fortnight.

NETTLE SOUP

A vibrant green and healthy spring soup, perfect for those wanting a delicious but light lunch option.

Serves 4

Coconut or olive oil 1 large leek, finely sliced 4 cloves of garlic, crushed 1 potato, peeled and diced 1 litre vegetable stock 500g nettles 100g fresh spinach Fried nettle leaves (to garnish)

Sauté the leek and garlic in the coconut oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. When softened, add in the potato and stock and let it simmer for around 15 minutes before adding in the spinach and nettles for a further 1-2 minutes. Season and blend immediately, then reheat before serving. Fry a few nettle leaves in a little oil as a crispy garnish.

More beauty tips to keep you glowing this spring can be found in the Spring 2015 edition of Liz Earle Wellbeing, available now to download from Zinio (for all devices), Apple (for iPhone or iPad) or Amazon (for Kindle Fire) for £2.99, or subscribe to 4 issues per year for £9.99.