Easy Watercress And Leek Soup Recipes

WATERCRESS AND LEEK SOUP

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium. Add leeks and season with salt and pepper. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally, 4 to 6 minutes. Add broth, potato, and the water. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until potato is tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Add two-thirds of the watercress and cook until bright green and tender, about 3 minutes. Working in batches, purée soup until smooth in a blender, being careful not to fill jar more than halfway each time. Return to pan and season soup with salt (reheat over medium if necessary).
• In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Add remaining watercress and toss. Serve soup topped with watercress.
• about watercress
• Watercress is a dark, leafy green with thick stems and a peppery taste that mellows once it's cooked. Look for bunches with bright, glossy green leaves that haven't begun to wilt. Wrap in paper towels and refrigerate in a plastic bag up to 3 days. Always wash watercress just before using-place in a colander, and rinse well with cold water. Dry thoroughly and trim off thick stems.
• nutrition information
• (Per Serving)
• Calories: 161
• Fat: 7.2g (1.2g Saturated Fat)
• Protein: 5.8g
• Carbohydrates: 20.5g
• Fiber: 2.2g

COLD CREAM OF WATERCRESS SOUP

Steps:

• Heat a large saucepan with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the leeks and the watercress stems only and saute until wilted, about 10 minutes.
• Add the chicken stock and potatoes and season well with salt and pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare an ice water bath by partially filling your largest mixing bowl with ice cubes and water.
• In batches to avoid overfilling and splattering, ladle the soup into a blender or food processor, adding some of the creme fraiche and watercress leaves with each batch and reserving about 2 dozen whole leaves for a garnish. Puree each batch and transfer to a fine-meshed strainer held over a large mixing bowl that fits inside the ice water bath, using a rubber spatula to press the puree through the strainer. Taste the puree, adjust the seasonings, if necessary, with more salt and pepper, and stir in the lemon juice.
• Place the bowl of soup inside the ice water bath and chill it until cool, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour. Remove the bowl of soup from the ice water bath, dry its underside, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
• Before serving, taste the soup. If it is too thick, thin it with a little cold milk, chicken stock, or water, to a thick, creamy consistency. Adjust the seasonings, if necessary. Ladle into chilled bowls and decoratively garnish each serving with a few of the reserved watercress leaves.

LEEK AND WATERCRESS SOUP

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute the leek in the butter for about 3 minutes. Add the watercress and cook for 5 minutes.
• Stir in the potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, simmer covered for 30 minutes.
• With a stick blender, puree the vegetables. Stir in the heavy cream and gently heat until barely simmering.
• Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
• Note: Do not use milk or light cream as they might curdle. Can make ahead of time and gently reheated.