What to Do With Watercress: 5 Easy Soup Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again
Watercress is one of those ingredients that often gets overlooked in favour of spinach, kale or rocket. Yet this humble leafy green has a distinctive peppery flavour and can add freshness, colour and nutrition to a wide range of dishes.
While many people use watercress in sandwiches and salads, it truly comes into its own in soup. The leaves wilt quickly, blend beautifully and pair well with everything from potatoes and peas to coconut milk and warming spices.
If you’ve ever picked up a bag of watercress and wondered what to do with it, these simple soup recipes are a great place to start.
Why Cook With Watercress?
Watercress is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A and folate. It also contains fibre and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to everyday meals.
Its slightly peppery taste adds depth to soups without overpowering other ingredients, making it an ideal choice for simple homemade recipes.
1. Watercress, Leek and Parsnip Soup
A comforting bowl of soup that’s perfect for cooler days.
Ingredients
- 80g watercress
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 1 litre vegetable stock
- Salt and black pepper
- Croutons or crusty bread to serve
Method
Bring the vegetable stock to a simmer and add the parsnips. Cook for around 10 minutes before adding the leeks.
Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender. Remove from the heat, stir in the watercress and allow it to wilt.
Blend until smooth, adding extra stock if required. Season to taste and serve with croutons or warm bread.
2. Thai-Inspired Watercress Noodle Soup
This fragrant soup combines creamy coconut milk with warming spices and fresh greens.
Ingredients
- 50g watercress
- 1 sweet potato, diced
- 200ml coconut milk
- 500ml vegetable stock
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
- 2 portions noodles
- 1 tbsp green curry paste
- Fresh coriander
- Lime wedges
Method
Cook the sweet potato in a large saucepan until beginning to soften.
Add the ginger and curry paste and cook for a minute before pouring in the coconut milk and stock.
Simmer for 15 minutes. Add the noodles and cook according to packet instructions.
Stir through the watercress just before serving and finish with coriander and a squeeze of lime.
3. Watercress, Carrot and Turmeric Soup
Bright, colourful and packed with flavour.
Ingredients
- 85g watercress
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 litre vegetable stock
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Method
Gently cook the onion and carrots in a little oil until softened.
Add the garlic and turmeric and cook for another minute.
Pour in the stock and simmer until the carrots are tender.
Add the watercress and cook for 30 seconds before blending until smooth.
Season well and serve warm.
4. Creamy Vegan Watercress Soup
A simple recipe that lets watercress take centre stage.
Ingredients
- 3 bags watercress
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 celery stick, chopped
- 350g potatoes, diced
- 600ml vegetable stock
- 150ml oat or coconut milk
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Lemon juice
Method
Cook the onion and celery until softened.
Add the potatoes and stock and simmer until tender.
Stir in the watercress and cook for a few minutes before blending.
Return to the pan and add the plant milk, nutmeg and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Heat gently before serving.
5. Watercress, Pea and Parsley Soup
Fresh, vibrant and ideal for spring and summer lunches.
Ingredients
- 60g watercress
- 80g peas
- 20g parsley
- 1 large potato, diced
- Vegan crème fraîche (optional)
Method
Cook the potato until tender before adding the peas.
Add the watercress and parsley and cook briefly until wilted.
Blend until smooth, adding some of the cooking liquid until you reach your preferred consistency.
Serve with a swirl of crème fraîche and crusty bread.
The Bottom Line
Watercress is one of the easiest ways to add flavour and nutrition to homemade soup. Whether you prefer a classic leek and parsnip combination or something with Thai-inspired flavours, these recipes prove that watercress deserves a regular place on your shopping list.
If you’re looking for simple ways to use up watercress, a homemade soup is hard to beat.
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