The owners of a Burnham-On-Sea restaurant have quite literally ‘grasped the nettle’ by launching a new menu featuring a risotto made of local stinging nettles!
The freshly-picked stingers, which come from Berrow, are being dished up at Crowdy’s in College Street as part of its new autumn bistro menu.
Owners Sam and Steve Crowden told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week the dish is proving popular.
“There’s been lots of local interest and questions about the risotto, which has quickly become one of our most popular meals.”
Steve added: “We wanted to introduce something on the menu that was completely different, but locally grown.”
“So, with the permission of a land owner at Berrow, we regularly collect the nettles from a secluded area that is well away from walkers.”
“The plants are then de-stalked, washed and cooked with rice, garlic cream, a vegetable stock and mushrooms.”
“Nettles are similar in taste to spinach, but are slightly peppery and very nutritious.”
Steve admitted to having been stung several times while preparing the dishes.
“We use tongs to move the plants about, but it’s easy to brush them. Fortunately, our diners have nothing to worry about because the sting only lasts while they are uncooked. Once heated for five to six minutes, they are harmless.”
The restaurant is serving plates of the risotto at £6.75 per portion. They are served as main meals during the restaurant’s evening bistro sittings, from Thursday to Saturday evenings.
Pictured is restaurant owner Steve Crowden alongside waitress Millie Taylor
