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–+ servings

Watercress Soup

Erin Rains
Before diving into the delightful world of watercress soup, let’s talk about what you can serve alongside it. This soup has a bright, peppery flavor that pairs beautifully with crusty bread, fresh salads, or grilled fish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine European
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups filtered water - for the base of your soup
  • 1 pound peeled potatoes cut into chunks - for creaminess
  • 2 cups chopped white or yellow onions - for sweetness and depth
  • 1 cup dry white wine chicken broth, or vegetable broth - pick wine or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - for richness
  • 6 cups chopped fresh watercress about 1/2 pound, including stems - the star ingredient!
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest - for brightening the flavors
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - for warmth
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - for spice
  • About 6 tablespoons sour cream stirred in or used as garnish - for a creamy finish

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  • Start by heating the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent; this should take around 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid browning.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth

  • Next, toss in the potato chunks. Stir them into the onions, allowing them to mingle for a couple of minutes. Pour in the white wine or your choice of broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a gentle simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, roughly 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate the Watercress

  • Once the potatoes are soft, add the watercress, lemon zest, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Allow everything to simmer together for about 5-7 minutes. The watercress will wilt down but retain its vibrant green color.

Step 4: Blending to Perfection

  • Now comes the fun part! Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it’s smooth and silky. If you don’t have one, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender but be cautious with the heat.

Step 5: Final Touches

  • Once blended, taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. If desired, you can also stir in the sour cream for creaminess or serve it as a garnish on top of the soup.

Notes

  1. Use Fresh Watercress: Always opt for fresh watercress. It has a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
  2. Control the Creaminess: For a lighter version, skip the sour cream or use Greek yogurt instead.
  3. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add herbs like dill or tarragon for an extra flavor punch.
  4. Adjusting Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Serve with Flair: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for a gourmet touch.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 5gFiber: 3g
Keyword Watercress Soup
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