Watercress soup: 3 easy steps for a delicious result

La watercress soup is a healthy and tasty dish that can be easily made at home. It combines the freshness of cress leaves with the gentleness of potatoes to create a velvety Creamy. This simple recipe allows you to explore different variations and adjust the flavors to your liking. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it's a nourishing yet light dish. Whether for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this soup delivers both flavor and texture. benefits nutritional.

Watercress soup recipe

Practical information

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 g of cress frais
• 1 medium onion
• 2 medium potatoes (approximately 300g)
• 1 liter of vegetable broth
• 20g butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 100 ml of fresh cream

Home

• Saucepan or Dutch oven
• Kitchen knife
• Cutting board
• Hand blender or blender
• Wooden spoon

Steps for preparing watercress soup

1. Prepare the vegetables

1. Wash the watercress thoroughly under cold water and drain.
2. Peel and slice the onion.
3. Peel the potatoes and cut them into even cubes.

2. Cooking the soup base

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the vegetable stock.
4. Bring to a boil and then cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

3. Add the watercress and blend

1. Add the watercress to the pan and let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and blend the soup with an immersion blender or blender until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the fresh cream if desired and mix gently.
5. Serve hot.

Tips for watercress soup

Preserve the color and nutrients

To keep the watercress vibrant green and retain its nutrients, it's important to add it towards the end of cooking. Avoiding prolonged boiling helps preserve its vitamins and minerals.

Adjust the texture

If the soup is too thick, you can gradually add a little stock or hot water until you reach the desired consistency. For an even smoother texture, passing the soup through a sieve after blending will remove any tougher fibers.

Seasoning and taste

Watercress has a slightly peppery flavor. To mellow it, you can add a little crème fraîche or an extra small potato. You can also enhance the soup with a pinch of nutmeg or a few drops of lemon juice, according to your preference.

Service and presentation

For an attractive presentation, serve the soup in preheated bowls. You can garnish with a few fresh watercress leaves or... homemade croutons to add some crunch. A touch of olive oil can also enhance the flavor just before serving.

Variations on watercress soup

Watercress and sweet potato soup

For a slightly sweeter version, replace the regular potatoes with cubed sweet potatoes. The cooking method remains the same, and the soup will have a smoother texture and a milder flavor that pairs well with watercress.

Watercress soup with walnuts or almonds

To add crunch and enrich the soup with minerals, you can add some lightly crushed walnuts or almonds when serving. They pair well with the peppery taste of the watercress and provide a pleasant texture.

Watercress soup with herbs and spices

You can enhance the flavor of your soup by adding fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, or even a little minced garlic. The herbs should be added at the very end of cooking, and the garlic 10 minutes before the end, to preserve their aroma and properties.

Benefits of watercress soup

Vitamin and mineral intake

The soup of cress It is rich in minerals and vitamins, primarily from watercress, such as vitamin K, calcium, and iron. The potatoes provide potassium, vitamin B6, and magnesium, while also giving the soup a creamy texture. Together, these ingredients create a nourishing, velvety soup, rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients, ideal for supporting digestion, bone health, and a healthy immune system.

Fiber and Antioxidants

Watercress soup contains fiber from the watercress and potatoes. This promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain regular bowel movements. Watercress also contains flavonoids and carotenoids, antioxidant compounds that help protect cells against oxidative stress and support the body's natural defenses.

Benefits of cream

Adding cream to the soup makes it smoother and more pleasant to eat, while also facilitating the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins found in watercress, such as vitamin K and certain carotenoids. It also provides fatty acids that contribute to a feeling of fullness.

Summary of the watercress soup recipe

Ingredients

• 200g of fresh watercress
• 1 medium onion
• 2 medium potatoes (approximately 300g)
• 1 liter of vegetable broth
• 20g butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 100 ml of fresh cream

Steps

1. Wash and drain the watercress, finely chop the onion and cut the potatoes into cubes.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan and fry the onion until translucent.
3. Add the potato cubes and vegetable stock, bring to a boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Add the watercress and cook for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Blend the soup until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper, add fresh cream if desired, and mix.
7. Serve hot and decorate according to your preferences.

Conclusion

Watercress soup is a simple, quick, and healthy recipe, ideal for enjoying the benefits of this vegetable, which is rich in vitamins and minerals. Easy to prepare, it can be adapted to your taste with the suggested variations, such as adding walnuts, sweet potatoes, or plant-based milk. Its fiber and antioxidants make it a nourishing yet light dish. The tips help preserve its color, texture, and flavor, while the recipe summary makes preparation easy. A delicious and comforting recipe to share any time of year.

FAQ

Can watercress soup be frozen?

Yes, it's perfectly possible to freeze the mixture once it's completely cooled. Place it in airtight containers, leaving a little space at the top as the liquid will expand slightly. When defrosting, gently reheat, stirring to restore a smooth texture.

When should the watercress be added for cooking?

It is recommended to add the leaves towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant green color and nutrients. Prolonged cooking could dull the color and diminish the heat-sensitive vitamins. Adding them just before the end also helps retain some texture.

Can the recipe be made without cream?

Yes, you can absolutely make this soup without cream; it's a lighter and equally delicious alternative. You can replace the cream with a plant-based substitute or simply omit it altogether. The taste will be slightly different, but the dish will still be creamy thanks to the blended potato.

What variety of watercress should I use for soup?

The most commonly used variety is Nasturtium officinaleKnown for its tender leaves and slightly peppery flavor, this variety is perfect for choosing a bright green bunch, free of yellowing or wilted leaves, and rinsing it thoroughly to remove any impurities. This will ensure a smooth and flavorful soup.

What vegetable variations can be added to this soup?

Sweet potatoes or carrots add a sweet and creamy touch, while peas or zucchini offer a touch of freshness and color. It's also possible to incorporate... l or parsnips for a milder, more subtle flavor. Add the different vegetables at the right time according to their cooking time so that they are tender but not overcooked.