This easy Watercress Soup Recipe is an ideal spring meal: light, creamy and packed with fresh watercress and sweet frozen peas. Finished with a swirl of crème fraîche, it makes a delicious lunch, is naturally gluten free and perfect for batch cooking.
I Am Currently Addicted To This Watercress Soup
- Why choose this recipe? If you enjoy soup but want something lighter for warmer days, this Watercress Soup is perfect. It uses just 7 ingredients and is ready in under 20 minutes, making it both quick and satisfying.
- Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze portions for quick meals later. It’s great for meal prep and saves time on busy days.
- Watercress Season: In the UK, watercress is at its best from April to September, so this is a lovely spring and summer recipe.
- Serving Suggestion: Enjoy the soup on its own or serve with gluten free croutons or a gluten free bread roll for dipping.
Table of Contents
- I Am Currently Addicted To This Watercress Soup
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make Watercress Soup
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Watercress Soup Recipe
- More Quick Soup Recipes
- More Soup Recipes
Ingredients and Substitutions
Below is a printable recipe card with exact quantities. The soup uses just seven simple ingredients:
- Butter: Use vegan margarine or olive oil to make the soup dairy free.
- Potato: A medium/large baking potato (about 220g) adds body and thickness.
- Shallots: Shallots give a mild, sweet flavour; substitute with a small brown or red onion if needed.
- Vegetable Stock: Use a gluten free vegetable stock, or swap for chicken stock if preferred.
- Watercress: About 160g of watercress (usually two small bags) provides a peppery green note and vibrant colour.
- Frozen Peas: Peas add sweetness, texture and help with the soup’s bright green colour.
- Crème Fraîche: Use low-fat or full-fat to taste. Omit for a lighter or dairy-free version.
How to Make Watercress Soup
A printable method is available in the recipe card below. These are the simple steps to make this quick watercress soup.
Peel and finely slice the shallots. Peel the potato and cut it into small 1cm cubes.
Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the potatoes and shallots and fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5–10 minutes until the potato is tender. Larger potato pieces will need a little longer.
When the potato is cooked, stir in the watercress and frozen peas and simmer for another 3–4 minutes to wilt the greens and warm the peas through.
Remove from the heat, stir in the crème fraîche, then blend with a stick blender or in a jug blender until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about this watercress soup:
Portion leftovers into airtight tubs and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or gently on the hob.
Yes. Portion the soup into freezer-safe tubs and label them. Reheat straight from frozen for a convenient meal.
Watercress Soup Recipe
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Equipment
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1 blender
Ingredients
- 45 g butter
- 1 baking potato, (approx 220g)
- 3 small shallots, (or 1 onion)
- 500 ml gluten free vegetable stock
- 160 g watercress
- 140 g frozen peas
- 3 tbsp crème fraîche
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
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Peel and finely slice the shallots. Peel the potato and cut into small 1cm cubes.
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Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the potatoes and shallots and fry for 3–4 minutes.
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Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5–10 minutes until the potato is tender.
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Add the watercress and frozen peas and simmer for another 3–4 minutes.
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Remove from the heat, stir in the crème fraîche and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate portions for up to five days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat straight from frozen for convenience.
- Step-by-Step Photos: Refer to the photos above for a visual guide to the method.
- If you enjoy this recipe: Leaving a rating and short comment helps others find the recipe and supports the creator.
Nutrition
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More Quick Soup Recipes
If you enjoy this gluten free watercress soup, try one of these other quick soups.
- Broccoli and Stilton Soup
- Chicken and Lentil Soup
- Courgette Soup with Basil and Parmesan
- Parsnip Soup
- Pea and Ham Soup
- Leek and Potato Soup
- Carrot and Lentil Soup
- Beetroot Soup
- Gluten Free Chicken Soup
- Winter Vegetable Soup
- Carrot and Parsnip Soup
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