Creamy French Watercress Soup
This French Watercress Soup is pure green "magic,” light, creamy, and easy to make, perfect for lunch or a cozy starter. Serve with croutons, salad, or your favorite bread, then enjoy!
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Blender (immersion or countertop)
- Ladle
- Fine mesh strainer (optional for extra-smooth texture)
Ingredients
- 3 cups potatoes 1 lb/450 gm
- 4 cups leeks 1 lb/450 gm
- ⅓ cup butter 3 oz/75 gm
- 1½ cups chicken stock ¾ pints water
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup cream or 1 cup half-and-half
- A big bunch of fresh watercress
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A few sprigs watercress to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes by peeling and cutting them into small pieces.
- Clean and prepare the leeks, cutting into ½ inch (1cm) lengths.
- Chop the watercress finely after rinsing under running water.
- Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed pan large enough to hold all the ingredients.
- Sauté leeks in butter until soft, 5-6 minutes.
- Add the water or stock, potatoes, watercress, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to medium-low and cook until potatoes are done, 10-12 minutes.
- Blend in a liquidiser or blender, or use a stick blender in the pot.
- Return to the pan if using blender, and add milk and cream slowly, stirring well.
- Heat up without boiling, then reduce to simmer for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sprigs of fresh watercress and serve with croutons or your favourite bread.
Notes
Substitutions
- Watercress: Swap with spinach and a handful of arugula for pepperiness.
- Potatoes: Use cauliflower for a lighter, low‑carb version.
- Butter: Olive oil for a dairy‑free soup.
- Cream: Coconut milk for a vegan twist (it adds a subtle sweetness).
- Stock: Bone broth for extra richness.
Expert Chef Tips
- Add the watercress at the very end to keep the soup bright green.
- Blend longer than you think — silky is the goal.
- Taste before serving; watercress varies in pepperiness.
- A drizzle of herb oil or crème fraîche makes it luxurious.
Nutrition
Calories: 309kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 198mgPotassium: 664mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1633IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 2mg
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