Urzici cu usturoi

Urzici cu usturoi is a traditional dish originating from Romania. The dish is usually made with a combination of nettles, olive oil, onions, garlic, flour, polenta, scallions, pumpkin seeds, and salt. The nettles are blanched in boiling water, then placed in a bowl filled with cold water. The onions are sautéed in oil until soft, mixed with the garlic, flour, polenta, nettles, and the remaining water from cooked nettles. The mixture is simmered over medium heat, mixed with the scallions, seasoned with salt, and then garnished with pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of olive oil before serving. If desired, the dish can also be topped with grated cheese for extra flavor (but then it's not vegan anymore). It's especially popular to prepare urzici cu usturoi in springtime as a celebration of fresh local ingredients.