Description
Watercress Soup with Peas and Mint is a fresh, vibrant, and nourishing recipe that combines peppery watercress, sweet green peas, and refreshing mint to create a light yet flavorful soup. Perfect as a starter or a light meal, it’s quick to prepare, nutrient-dense, vegan, and gluten-free. Enjoy it hot or chilled for a versatile, garden-fresh taste any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh watercress (tender stems and leaves, roughly chopped)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash the watercress thoroughly to remove any grit, then roughly chop the stems and leaves. Peel and dice the onion and mince the garlic. If using fresh peas, shell them; if frozen, have them ready to go.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, to build a savory base for the soup.
- Add Stock and Peas: Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the peas and cook for about 5 minutes until tender and bright green, ensuring natural sweetness and fresh flavor.
- Blend in Watercress and Mint: Turn off the heat, add the chopped watercress and mint leaves, then blend everything together until smooth. The residual heat will gently wilt the greens, preserving bright flavor and color while creating a creamy texture.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls to serve hot or chill for a refreshing cold version.
Notes
- Use fresh, tender watercress to avoid bitterness; older leaves can taste harsh.
- Add watercress and mint only at the end to keep their vibrant taste and nutrients intact.
- Blend thoroughly using a high-speed or immersion blender for a silky smooth texture.
- Adjust soup consistency by thinning with extra stock or water if too thick, or simmer a bit longer if too thin before blending.
- Serve immediately or chill for a delicious cold soup option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ninety
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg