Watercress Soup

Watercress Soup

Watercress Soup is a light, refreshing, and nutritious soup that features the peppery, slightly bitter flavor of watercress.

This vibrant green soup is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it both a delicious and healthy option. It’s perfect for a light meal or as a starter to a more substantial meal.

Here’s a simple recipe for Watercress Soup:

Watercress Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

Watercress: 4 cups, washed and tough stems removed

Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced (for creaminess)

Onion: 1 medium, chopped

Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

Vegetable or chicken stock: 4 cups

Olive oil or butter: 2 tablespoons

Salt and pepper: to taste

Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for added freshness)

Cream or milk: 1/2 cup (optional, for a creamy texture)

Fresh herbs: parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Wash the watercress thoroughly, removing any tough stems. Peel and dice the potatoes, and chop the onion and garlic.

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Cook the Potatoes:

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir them with the onions and garlic. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to combine.

Add the Stock:

Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Add the Watercress:

Add the watercress to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes, until wilted and tender. Watercress cooks very quickly, so don’t leave it in the pot for too long.

Blend the Soup:

Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer it in batches to a regular blender. Blend until you reach a creamy, silky texture.

Finish the Soup:

Stir in the lemon juice for extra brightness, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a creamier soup, stir in some cream or milk and heat the soup through.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Tips:

For a Vegan Option: This soup is naturally vegan if you skip the cream or use coconut milk instead of dairy cream.

For Extra Flavor: You can add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or a bay leaf while simmering the potatoes for added depth of flavor.

Add-Ins: For extra protein, you can add some cooked lentils or peas to the soup.

Watercress Soup is a refreshing, vibrant dish that’s packed with nutrients and flavor. The slight pepperiness of the watercress pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the potatoes, creating a balanced and satisfying soup. Enjoy it as a light lunch or a healthy starter!