Get ready to dive into a world of creamy, dreamy soups with watercress as the star ingredient! Watercress, with its peppery flavor and nutrient-rich profile, adds a delightful twist to traditional soup recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or rich and indulgent, we’ve got you covered with these 20 delicious and creative creamy watercress soups.
From classic combinations like Creamy Watercress and Potato Soup to more adventurous pairings like Spicy Watercress and Coconut Soup, each recipe is carefully crafted to highlight the unique flavor of watercress. With a range of options from comforting and familiar to innovative and exotic, you’re sure to find the perfect bowl to warm your soul this season.
Creamy Watercress and Potato Soup
This soup is a vibrant and comforting blend of watercress, potatoes, and creamy goodness. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 3-4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 cups watercress leaves
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
2. Add the potatoes, watercress, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, garnished with additional watercress leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Watercress and Coconut Soup
This refreshing soup combines the cooling properties of coconut with the spicy kick of red pepper flakes, perfectly balanced by the crisp flavor of watercress. A perfect blend of hot and cold, this soup is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watercress leaves
– 1 can full-fat coconut milk
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
3. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
4. Stir in the coconut milk and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
5. Add the watercress leaves; cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Watercress and Leek Soup with Lemon Zest
This vibrant green soup is a perfect blend of sweet leeks, peppery watercress, and zesty lemon. It’s a simple yet elegant starter for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium leeks, cleaned and chopped
– 4 cups watercress leaves
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon zest from 1 lemon
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped leeks and onion in butter until softened.
2. Add watercress leaves and cook until wilted.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
5. Return soup to pot, add heavy cream if desired, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Stir in lemon zest just before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlicky Watercress and White Bean Soup
This creamy soup is a perfect blend of flavors, with the pungency of garlic, the peppery taste of watercress, and the comfort of cannellini beans. A delicious and nutritious meal for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 3 cups watercress leaves and stems
– 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the watercress, beans, broth, and cream. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has reached your desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Watercress and Sweet Corn Chowder
This vibrant and refreshing chowder combines the sweetness of corn with the peppery bite of watercress, making it a perfect summer soup. With its light and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watercress, chopped
– 1 cup sweet corn kernels
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the chopped watercress and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the sweet corn kernels, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Silky Watercress and Avocado Soup
Elevate your soup game with this refreshing and creamy recipe, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal or as a starter for a special occasion. The subtle bitterness of watercress is balanced by the richness of avocado, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh watercress leaves
– 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine watercress, avocado, olive oil, and onion.
2. Blend until smooth, adding broth as needed to achieve desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. If desired, stir in heavy cream for added richness.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional watercress leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Watercress and Mushroom Miso Soup
This refreshing soup combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the brightness of watercress, all tied together with a savory miso broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 bunch fresh watercress, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine mushrooms, broth, and miso paste. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 15 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender.
3. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil. Add watercress and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Watercress and Carrot Soup
Experience the vibrant flavors of spring with this refreshing roasted watercress and carrot soup. The sweetness of carrots pairs perfectly with the peppery zing of watercress, making for a delightful and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 bunch of fresh watercress, stems removed and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large pot, sauté chopped onion in remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil until translucent.
4. Add roasted carrots, watercress, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender to puree until smooth.
6. If desired, stir in heavy cream for added richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Watercress and Pea Mint Soup
This vibrant green soup is a perfect blend of spring flavors, with the peppery taste of watercress complemented by the sweetness of peas and the freshness of mint. Serve chilled for a light and revitalizing meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh watercress leaves and stems
– 1 cup fresh garden peas
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine watercress, peas, mint, garlic, and olive oil.
2. Blend until smooth, adding vegetable broth as needed to achieve desired consistency.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None required! This soup is best served chilled.
Smoky Watercress and Bacon Soup
This hearty soup combines the earthy flavor of watercress with the smokiness of bacon, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups watercress leaves and stems
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Add the olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the watercress leaves and stems to the pot, stirring to combine.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the watercress has wilted.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender and blend).
8. Stir in the heavy cream, if using, and season with salt and pepper.
9. Serve hot, topped with crispy bacon pieces.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Watercress and Lentil Turmeric Soup
This vibrant soup combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the peppery freshness of watercress, all wrapped up in a warm and comforting turmeric broth. Perfect for a chilly evening or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh watercress leaves and stems
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, lentils, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
3. Stir in the watercress leaves and stems, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Light Watercress and Cucumber Soup
This refreshing soup is perfect for a light and revitalizing meal on a warm day. With its delicate flavors and velvety texture, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watercress leaves
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and seeded
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine watercress, cucumber, olive oil, and onion. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the vegetable broth and blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. If desired, stir in heavy cream for added richness.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with additional watercress leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Watercress and Chickpea Curry Soup
This refreshing soup combines the peppery flavor of watercress with the creaminess of chickpeas, all wrapped up in a flavorful curry broth. Perfect for a light and nourishing meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 cups watercress leaves and stems, chopped
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (optional)
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add the chickpeas, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the watercress, vegetable broth, and coconut milk (if using). Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Herbed Watercress and Spinach Soup
This soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with the peppery bite of watercress and the earthy sweetness of spinach. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of greens in a delicious and comforting bowl.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watercress leaves
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
2. Add the watercress and spinach leaves, broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until greens are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, let it cool and blend in a blender.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, stir in heavy cream for added richness.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional watercress leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Watercress and Pumpkin Seed Soup
This soup combines the peppery flavor of watercress with the nutty taste of pumpkin seeds, perfect for a crisp fall day. With its creamy texture and vibrant green color, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cups watercress, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chopped watercress, broth, pumpkin seeds, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
3. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
4. If desired, stir in the heavy cream to add a creamy texture.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional watercress leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tangy Watercress and Tomato Soup
A refreshing and flavorful soup perfect for a light lunch or as a starter for a special occasion. This recipe combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the peppery zing of watercress, all in one delicious bowl.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
– 1/2 cup watercress leaves and stems
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, broth, and heavy cream (if using). Bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in the watercress leaves and stems. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the soup has reached your desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Watercress and Ginger Broth
Brighten up your day with this refreshing and revitalizing broth, perfect for a light lunch or as a soothing pick-me-up. This simple recipe combines the peppery flavor of watercress with the spicy warmth of ginger.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup fresh watercress leaves and stems
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the broth to a simmer.
2. Add the watercress and ginger slices. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the watercress has wilted slightly.
3. Strain the broth into a bowl using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Discard the solids.
4. If desired, add soy sauce to taste. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional watercress leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Rich Watercress and Cashew Soup
This creamy soup is a delightful twist on traditional watercress soups, with the added richness of cashews providing a velvety texture. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal or as a soothing starter.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watercress leaves
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup cashew nuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine watercress leaves, vegetable broth, and cashew nuts. Blend until smooth.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add the blended watercress mixture to the saucepan with the cooked onion. Stir well to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Watercress and Fennel Bisque
A refreshing and light soup perfect for a spring evening, this Watercress and Fennel Bisque combines the sweetness of fennel with the peppery flavor of watercress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watercress leaves
– 1 bulb fennel, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add the chopped fennel and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the watercress leaves and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the soup has reached your desired consistency.
4. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
5. If desired, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half to add a creamy texture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chilled Watercress and Yogurt Soup
This light and revitalizing soup is perfect for hot summer days. The combination of watercress, yogurt, and cucumber creates a refreshing and healthy treat that’s sure to quench your thirst.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch fresh watercress
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the watercress leaves and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the watercress, yogurt, cucumber, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve cold, garnished with additional watercress leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Servings: 2-4
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of creamy delights with these 20 mouth-watering watercress soup recipes! From classic combinations like Creamy Watercress and Potato Soup, to more adventurous options like Spicy Watercress and Coconut Soup, there’s something for every palate. Discover the versatility of watercress as it pairs with potatoes, leeks, garlic, sweet corn, mushrooms, carrots, peas, lentils, and many more ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich and creamy soup or a light and refreshing one, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
