If you've ever brushed by a patch of stinging nettles and felt the painful, numbing tingles contact brings, then you might find mild trepidation over tackling a recipe based around the wild Spring green. Thankfully, when handled properly, this nuisance of a weed transforms from baleful brute to a silky texture and satisfying addition to all manner of meals. All in all, it's more than worth the accompanying (minor) risk involved.
Here, paired with creamy, briny feta, chewy-tender pasta, toasted slivers of almonds, and nutty sesame seeds, nettles add just the right amount of grassiness, making for a pasta dish that will keep your taste buds guessing. Whether served hot, fresh from the pot, or at room temperature, it satisfies, and then some.
This holiday entertaining season, make certain to master at least one back-pocket appetizer — a treat so easy and low-stress that you can whip it up in a flash to fill out a menu, or have it on hand if guests will be unexpectedly popping over. I can tell you now, that these salty-piney-sweet nuts will be mine.
Crisp and crunchy, with a hit of breath-freshening rosemary these nuts are dangerous in the best way; I can't seem to stop at a small handful, much less one or two. I suspect you will feel the same way.
Lengel, who has her own food blog, 
