Purple Archangel (Dead Nettle) Enchiladas by Jamie Jackson

In the current issue of The Essential Herbal we asked our friends and readers to share their favorite wild plant dishes.  We got many terrific recipes!  Jamie has mentioned these enchiladas in the past and I was thrilled to get the recipe.  Now while the dead nettles are in wild abundance, it's time to try it!

Purple Archangel (Dead Nettle) Enchiladas

Jamie Jackson
www.MissouriHerbs.com

I sauté 1.5 quarts purple archangel for 20 minutes in a broth.  Meanwhile, I'm making enchilada sauce:

This is the base recipe, I usually make this x3

1/4 C oil

1/4 C flour (I use GF)

1/2 t black pepper

1/8 t salt

1 t garlic powder

2 t cumin

1/2 t oregano

1 T chili powder

Less than 2 cups of water (you can use broth, but don't add salt)

Cheese for sprinkling on top (a cup or so)

Make just like a gravy.  Fry the flour and spices in oil for a few minutes.  Slowly add the liquid, stirring constantly.  A flat wooden spatula is nice to continuously scrape the bottom of the pan. Simmer on low, until the consistency of enchilada sauce out of can (not thick like gravy, you will be cooking this again.)

Cover thickly the bottom of your pan with the enchilada sauce.

Heat corn tortillas on a hot cast iron comal for a few seconds until they wilt over the side when slid to the edge (usually 11 seconds one side 3-4 seconds the 2nd side.)  Keep them warm in a towel.

Mix 1/4 cup of your enchilada sauce into your cooked greens and stir. 

Put a tortilla on a cutting board, cover the surface with enchilada sauce using a spoon.  Put green filling in the middle along with any shredded cheese, wild chives or whatever else.

Roll up, put in pan on top of the enchilada sauce.  When done, completely smoother with the rest of the enchilada sauce and top with some grated cheese.

Put in the oven till the cheese is melted.  I do mine on the stove top in a massive wok.  I can get about 8 enchiladas in there. I put the flame on low and cover.  I keep peeking till the cheese on top is melted and you are done!

If I think I've smothered the enchiladas enough, I save some of the sauce off for dipping.  Also, if the sauce gets too thick, even if you have the enchiladas already in it, you can add a wee bit of water and sort of stir it with a fork.

This is enough for 8 enchiladas, plus enough for dipping with chips