| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 284 | 18g | 9g | 21g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 6g | 0.38g |
There’s an undeniably snug feeling that settles in when you spoon up the first mouthful of a warm soup in a chilly environment. That delightful sensation is the same feeling I get every time I take in the heavenly aroma of my favorite, heartening Creamy Cress Soup. While my soul originally yearns for gamey meats and hearty mountain fare from the wild Rockies, there’s something to be said for plant-based soup recipes that hold their own place in a well-rounded diet.
Natural Delight in Every Spoonful
Creamy Cress Soup features a lush concoction of hearty potatoes and peppery, nutrient-packed watercress. This soup is remarkably like the classic potato and leek soup in consistency, but with the slightly spicy, peppery flavor from the watercress standing in for the more subtle taste of leeks.
The truth is, this soup is hearty and satisfying, yet light enough to leave room for the trout and venison dishes I often serve to guests. There’s an inexplicable synergy between Creamy Cress Soup and the lean, gamey flavors of Colorado, transforming a simple soup and meat combo into a profound culinary experience reminiscent of my Rocky Mountain roots.
A Healthy Twist on Comfort Food
Besides being utterly delicious, Creamy Cress Soup is a treasure trove of health benefits. Watercress, the star ingredient in this soup, is a natural powerhouse of vitamins K, C, and A. It’s brimming with antioxidants and known to aid digestion and support cardiovascular health. The onions and garlic lend a delightful umami flavor to the dish while offering up their own bouquet of health perks.
Moreover, the inclusion of fresh apples or pears provides a unique, sweet contrast to the creaminess of the soup, while injecting a burst of fiber and vitamin C. I love this recipe not only because it warms my palate, but also for the myriad benefits it offers to my health.
Creating a Culinary Symphony
Unlike many soup recipes, the Creamy Cress Soup is not just a starter. It’s an orchestra of flavors and textures that are elegant and hearty enough to stand as a main course. With Gordon, my partner, a culinary symphony comes to life on the table when this soup is accompanied by a crusty, freshly baked baguette and a bottle of crisp white wine. It’s a reminder of just how wonderful it is when love, health, and the comfort of good food come together in a flavorful blend of harmony.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 bunches watercress, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh fruit (e.g., apples or pears)
- Optional: A dollop of sour cream for each serving
Method
Step One
In a large saucepan or pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add in the finely chopped large onion and minced garlic. Stir and sauté until the onions soften and become translucent.
Step Two
Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir them around to coat with the oil and onions, then let them cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
Step Three
Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth, then cover the pot and let it come to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer.
Step Four
Add in the roughly chopped watercress. Stir it through until it wilts and mixes in with the soup.
Step Five
Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream, followed by 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes for the flavors to meld together.
Step Six
Take the soup off the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, blend the soup in batches until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Step Seven
Stir in the 1/2 cup of chopped fresh fruit, such as apples or pears, for a sweet and tangy contrast to the creamy soup.
Step Eight
Ladle the soup into serving bowls. If desired, finish with a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving. Enjoy your Creamy Cress Soup while it’s warm!
