Nettle Stew

Nettle Stew

Mâncare de urzici is a traditional Romanian spring dish, simple and nourishing, made from young nettle leaves braised with onion, garlic, and sour cream. Served with warm polenta and a fried or poached egg — a rustic, hearty, and deeply seasonal combination.

🍽️

Servings

4

⏱️

Prep

20 min

🔥

Cook

30 min

⏰

Total

50 min

🥘Ingredients

4

servings

Main ingredients

For serving

✅Dietary Compatibility

🥗Vegetarian🐟Pescatarian💪High-protein🥦Clean eating🫒Mediterranean
🍽️

Yield

4 servings

📦Storage

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 2 days in a sealed container; reheat gently on low heat with a splash of water

🧊

Freezer

Not recommended — cooked nettles lose their texture and color when thawed

🥗Nutrition Facts

Values per serving (without polenta)

🔥

Calories

210 kcal

🥩

Protein

11 g

🧈

Fat

15 g

🍞

Carbohydrates

9 g

🌾

Fiber

5 g

🍷Pairs Well With

🥂Warm polenta
🥂Fried or poached egg
🥂Full-fat sour cream
🥂Burduf cheese or feta-style brine cheese

💡Variations

1

Add braised pork pieces or fried sausages for a heartier version.

2

Combine nettles with spinach or sorrel (50/50) if you don't have enough nettles.

3

Fasting version: replace sour cream with coconut milk or omit it entirely and add more garlic.

Nettle Stew | Traditional Recipes