Stinging Nettle Soup

Pick the nettle shoots wearing gloves, don't ruin the roots. Cut off stems, wash them, and chop the nettles coarsely. Chop the onions coarsely. Peel the potatoes and carrots (or wash them thoroughly) and chop them in small cubes or very thin slices. Melt the butter in a pot. Sweat the onions and nettles. Add the potatoes and carrots, and cover all vegies with water. Boil the potatoes to a mash, about 15-20 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Optional: thyme or paprika, chickenstock or beefstock.