Fragrant Spring Delight: Sesame Oil & Nettle Oil Pasta
How to Make Nettle Oil Pasta: A Healthy Vegetarian Pasta with Sesame Oil
As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to embrace seasonal spring greens! Inspired by the abundance of fresh nettles found at the local market, I’ve created a unique oil pasta that infuses Korean flavors with the subtle bitterness of nettles and the nutty aroma of sesame oil. This simple yet deeply satisfying recipe is a wonderful vegetarian option. Even as a flexitarian, I wanted to share this delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed by vegans too. Let’s dive into the delightful world of Nettle Oil Pasta!
Main Ingredients- 100g Fresh Nettles
- 100g Spaghetti
- 1 tsp Salt (for boiling water)
Seasoning & Aromatics- 5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1/4 Green Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Chicken Stock (or vegetarian broth/seasoning for vegan option)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Optional Add-ins (for extra flavor!)- 1 Tbsp Grana Padano Cheese (or vegan cheese alternative)
- 5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1/4 Green Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Chicken Stock (or vegetarian broth/seasoning for vegan option)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Optional Add-ins (for extra flavor!)- 1 Tbsp Grana Padano Cheese (or vegan cheese alternative)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 100g of fresh nettles.
Step 2
Thoroughly wash the nettles under running water to remove any soil. It’s important to be meticulous as they can hold quite a bit of dirt.
Step 3
With the nettles cleaned and all other ingredients prepped, let’s get ready to cook.
Step 4
Thinly slice 1/4 green onion.
Step 5
Now, let’s blanch the nettles. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Step 6
Add the prepared nettles to the boiling water and blanch for about 1-2 minutes, or just until they wilt slightly and become tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain their texture and vibrant green color.
Step 7
Immediately transfer the blanched nettles to a bowl of cold water to shock them. This helps preserve their bright green color and crispness.
Step 8
Gently squeeze out excess water from the cooled nettles with your hands, then chop them into 3 equal pieces for easier cooking.
Step 9
To cook the pasta, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Step 10
Add 100g of spaghetti to the boiling water and cook for approximately 8 minutes. Cooking it slightly less than the package instructions (al dente) will ensure it doesn’t get mushy when sautéed later.
Step 11
After 8 minutes, carefully drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the starchy pasta water. This water will be used later to help create a smooth sauce.
Step 12
Heat 5 tablespoons of sesame oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
Step 13
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the warm oil and sauté gently until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 14
Once the garlic is aromatic, add the sliced green onions and sauté together.
Step 15
Continue to sauté the garlic and green onions over low heat until they are softened and slightly golden, releasing their flavors without burning.
Step 16
When the green onions become translucent and tender, add the blanched nettles to the pan.
Step 17
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and stir-fry, allowing the nettles to absorb the flavors.
Step 18
For an extra layer of umami, add 1/2 teaspoon of chicken stock. If you are following a vegan diet, use a vegetarian broth or a vegan seasoning alternative.
Step 19
Stir-fry everything well to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 20
Now, add the cooked spaghetti to the pan. Toss it with the nettle mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful ingredients.
Step 21
Add about 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and continue to stir-fry. Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. (Note: I found the seasoning perfect at this point without adding more.)
Step 22
Once the ingredients are well combined and the pasta has a glossy coating, turn off the heat. Drizzle with an additional 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil for a final touch of aroma. Toss gently to combine, and your delicious Nettle Oil Pasta is ready!
Step 23
Voila! Your Fragrant Spring Nettle Oil Pasta is complete. The delicate bitterness of the nettles, the nutty richness of sesame oil, and perfectly cooked spaghetti create a truly special dish. It’s simple to make and incredibly flavorful, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans (with cheese substitution). I finished mine with a sprinkle of pepper and Grana Padano cheese, but using a vegan cheese will make it fully vegan. This is a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal spring greens. If you find nettles, don’t miss out on trying this delightful pasta!
