Watercress Soup

Watercress soup is a vibrant and flavorful dish that highlights the peppery and slightly bitter taste of watercress. This recipe yields a creamy and velvety soup that is perfect for enjoying as a light and refreshing starter or as a comforting meal. With its simple yet satisfying ingredients, watercress soup is a wonderful way to incorporate nutritious greens into your diet.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 15g/1⁄2oz butter
• 350g/12oz watercress, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 1.2 litres/2pt vegetable stock
• 1⁄4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 50ml/2fl oz single cream
• 2 eggs, hard-boiled and finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sweat for 2 minutes until it becomes translucent.
2. Add the roughly chopped watercress to the saucepan and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon.
3. Stir in the plain flour until well combined. Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually blend in the vegetable stock.
4. Return the saucepan to the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and grated nutmeg. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and blend the soup to a smooth purée using a blender or food processor. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan.
6. Return the puréed soup to a clean pan and stir in the single cream. Gently reheat the soup, but do not let it boil.
7. To serve, ladle the watercress soup into bowls and sprinkle with finely chopped hard-boiled eggs.

YIELD: This recipe serves approximately 6 people.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be sure to remove the hard-boiled eggs from the shell and finely chop them before serving.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more salt, pepper, or nutmeg if desired.

TIPS:

• For added texture, you can reserve some of the watercress leaves and sprinkle them on top of the soup as a garnish.
• Serve the watercress soup with a crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Watercress soup is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy this vibrant green leafy vegetable. With its delicate peppery flavor and smooth texture, this soup is a refreshing and light option for any season. The combination of sautéed onion, fresh watercress, vegetable stock, and a touch of cream creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Preparing watercress soup is a straightforward process. The onions are first sautéed in butter until translucent, and then the watercress is added and cooked briefly to wilt. A sprinkle of flour helps to thicken the soup, and vegetable stock is gradually added to create a flavorful base. After simmering, the soup is blended to a smooth and velvety consistency. A touch of single cream adds richness and depth to the soup, while finely chopped hard-boiled eggs provide a delightful texture and visual appeal.

Watercress soup can be enjoyed as a light and refreshing starter or as a satisfying main course. Its vibrant green color and delicate flavor make it an elegant choice for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and well-balanced meal.

Not only is watercress soup delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients. Watercress is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium. It is known for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, such as supporting immune function and promoting healthy digestion.

In conclusion, watercress soup is a delightful and nourishing dish that celebrates the fresh flavors of watercress. With its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, this soup is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. So why not give it a try and savor the goodness of watercress in a bowl of comforting and flavorful soup?