Green spring soup

It is a tradition in the country among locals, weekenders and untidy gardeners to eat nettle soup at least once in the spring, since as well as being good and refreshing it is supposed to cleanse the blood ready for the summer.

Pick very tiny young nettle shoots and wear gloves to do it. As soon as you get them home put them in a pan and pour a kettleful of boiling water over, and they will lose their sting.