Tasty, healthy food for all, veggie and vegan friendly

We are running a series of lovely, tasty, healthy recipes supplied by our guest writer Jessica Steen. She is very passionate about food and health. We hope you enjoy trying these glorious simple meals.

The first one nettle hummus, yes that’s right nettles, and they are free to forage…

Over to Jessica…

When you think of nettles the two things that come to mind are Soups and Stings- but these prickly folks are a super food baby! They are shown to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation (ironically), and the Ancient Egyptians used stinging nettle to treat arthritis and lower back pain!
Found in grasslands and woodlands these little guys are the bane of any walk!
But once picked (with gloves- a trained hand can pick them pushing the needles down so they don’t sting) they can be transformed into something delicious! Teas and soups are the obvious choice- but I wanted to try something a little more adventurous!
Broad Bean, Chilli & Nettle hummus!
* 550 g / 3 cups podded beans from my neighbours garden (=400 g / 2 cups of shelled one)
* approx. 80 ml of water
* 3 and ½ tbsp lemon juice (more or less to taste)
* 1 garlic clove, pressed
* 1 level tsp of fine sea salt
* about 12 fresh nettle leaves
* 2 sprigs of basil
* a few grinds of fresh pepper
* A tbsp of diced hot chilli (optional)
* 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Chickpea salad…perfect for an Indian Summer

The sun is back and my creativity is revived 🌞 roasted chickpeas and sweet potato, homemade pickled cabbage (or raw slaw) tomato, cucumber and onion raita, topped with lentils and coconut cheese. #vegan #veganfood #recipes #veganrecipes #healthyfood #healthyrecipes #eatyourveggies