This is a low-carb meal rich in minerals such as magnesium and silica from the nettles and so is a great hair and skin nourisher.  Serve with spiced carrot bread.

A word on stock cubes. They contain high doses of sodium chloride (table salt), which is best avoided if you want to prevent heart disease. The more dehydrated you are the more you will crave salt. It is simply the body’s biochemistry that’s out of balance. Work on hydrating the system by drinking 8 glasses water a day and replacing salt with celery (high in natural organic sodium) and herbs, spices and  wild nettles. You won’t notice the difference.

Ingredients

1 onion

1 clove garlic

1 tbsp herbs de Provence/mixed green herbs

1 teaspoon Tumeric

1 teaspoon Garam Masala

2 stalks celery chopped

1 leek chopped

Olive or coconut oil

4 chıcken thıghs

chıcken stock

A bunch of freshly picked nettles*

Gently fry the onion and garlic with your chosen oil, herbs and spices until transparent. Do the same with the chopped celery and leek. Pour in the stock  addıng extra fıltered water to make ıt ınto 2 lıtres and just as you bring it to the boil add the chicken. Turn the heat down and simmer for approx 35 minutes.  Add the nettles 10 mınutes before the chıcken ıs cooked.  Serves 4

Perfect for an autumn day.

* How pick nettles…..You can just use a plastic bag by putting your hand inside the bag and grab a bunch from underneath and scoop in the bag or alternatively use rubber gloves. At home wash thoroughly and use a knife and fork or scissors to cut off the tough stalks. Avoid road sides obviously and try to go deep with in the countryside where there is little pollution.

2014