Creamy Watercress and Leek Soup
This elegant soup perfectly captures the essence of spring with its bright green hue and refreshing flavor profile. The slight bitterness of watercress is beautifully balanced by the mellow sweetness of sautéed leeks and potatoes, all brought together in a velvety broth. It's a nourishing and sophisticated starter or a light meal that highlights seasonal ingredients.
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Thoroughly wash the leeks to remove any dirt. Slice the white and light green parts thinly. Dice the peeled potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Remove tough stems from watercress and roughly chop the leaves and tender stems.
- 2In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3Stir in the diced potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
- 4Add the chopped watercress to the pot and stir until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat.
- 5Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender (be cautious with hot liquids and do not overfill), blending until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.
- 6Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and white pepper. Heat gently over low heat until warmed through, but do not boil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with croutons if desired.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, to make this soup vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil, and the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative like cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk (note: coconut milk will alter the flavor profile slightly).
What if I don't have watercress?
While watercress is ideal for its unique peppery flavor, you could try a mix of spinach and arugula as an alternative, though the taste will differ. Fresh spinach alone would also work for a milder flavor.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, stirring well. If it separates, a quick whisk can help emulsify it again.
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RECIPE BY
Leckere Rezepte
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