Wild Irish Nettle Soup

12 oz/350 g nettle leaves and young, tender stems
3-4 oz/75-110 g butter
A mixture of leek, onion and celery, roughly chopped (about 6 oz/175 g total weight)
2.5 pints/1.5 litres chicken stock
1.5 lb/675 g potatoes, sliced
0.75 pint/425 ml single cream (half and half)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD
Wash the nettles. Melt 3 oz/75 g of the butter in a heavy based pan and sweat the leek, onion, celery and the nettles for 5 to 6 minutes without browning. Add the chicken stock and bring to the boil, then add the potatoes. Cook over a low heat for about 40 to 50 minutes.

Liquidize the soup to a fine puree, then return it to the pan, and add the cream. Salt and pepper to taste, reheat gently and check the consistency. Some extra butter may be whisked in for a richer, smoother finish. Garnish each serving with a blanched nettle leaf.

Serves 8