Mary berry Watercress Soup recipe
Mary berry Watercress Soup recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any time of year. This soup is made with fresh watercress, onions, potatoes, and chicken broth, and is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. It can be enjoyed as a light lunch or served as a starter for a dinner party. The soup is easy to make and can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal or a flavorful soup to warm you up on a chilly day, this watercress soup is sure to please!
Why people also love Mary berry Watercress Soup recipe
People love Mary Berry’s Watercress Soup recipe for its simplicity, delicious taste, and healthy qualities. This soup is made with fresh watercress, onions, potatoes, and chicken broth, making it nutrient-rich and perfect for a light lunch or dinner starter. The soup has a creamy texture and a slightly peppery flavor that comes from the watercress. In addition to being healthy and tasty, this soup is easy to make and can be adjusted to suit individual taste preferences. It is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of breads or crackers, making it an ideal option for any time of year.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 bunches of watercress (about 5-6 oz each), stems removed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- First of all,In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. After this,Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Now Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
- Stir in the watercress and let simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the watercress is wilted.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Return the soup to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream (optional).
Quick Facts
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 4 servings
Servings suggestions: Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or crackers. This soup also pairs well with a fresh salad on the side.
Expert Tips & Tricks:
- To save time, you can use pre-washed and pre-chopped watercress.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add more potatoes to the recipe.
- For a vegan or vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and use dairy-free sour cream for garnish.
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories: 162
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol:20mg
Sodium: 700mg
Potassium: 774mg
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 7g
Presentation:
To present the soup, ladle it into individual serving bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream if desired. You can also garnish with a few extra watercress leaves or some freshly cracked black pepper. Serve hot alongside your favorite bread or crackers for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Variations and substitutions for Mary berry watercress soup recipe:
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
- Gluten-free option: Ensure that the chicken broth used is gluten-free, or substitute it with homemade broth made from gluten-free ingredients.
- Creamy version: Add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking and blend the soup again for a creamier version.
- Spicier version: Add chopped red chillies or chili flakes to the soup for a spicier twist.
- Herbaceous version: Add fresh parsley, basil, or thyme to give the soup an added depth of flavor.
- Low-carb version: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb option.
- Dairy-free version: Omit the butter and sour cream, and substitute with olive oil and dairy-free sour cream for a dairy-free version.
- Protein-packed version: Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the soup for an added protein boost.
- Vegan option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, omit butter, and use vegan sour cream or yogurt instead of regular sour cream.
- Nutritious greens variation: Instead of using only watercress, try combining it with spinach, kale, or other nutritious greens to add more vitamins and minerals to the soup.
Recommendations and notices:
- When choosing watercress, select fresh, crisp leaves with a vibrant green color.
- It’s important to wash the watercress thoroughly before adding it to the soup as it can often harbor dirt and grit in its leaves.
- Be careful not to overcook the watercress as it can quickly lose its bright green color and flavor. Add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its taste and appearance.
- You can adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more or less chicken broth or water depending on your preference.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the soup using an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender. However, be careful when blending hot liquids as they can easily splash and burn you.
- This soup is best served hot, but it can also be chilled and served cold on a hot summer day.
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Remember to taste the soup as you go along and adjust the seasoning as necessary with salt and pepper.
- As with any recipe, be sure to read through the instructions thoroughly before starting and gather all the necessary ingredients before beginning to cook.
FAQ for Mary berry Watercress Soup recipe
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Heat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Unfortunately, this soup does not freeze well due to the high water content of the potatoes.
This soup pairs well with a slice of crusty bread or crackers. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or sandwich for a complete meal.
Yes, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking and blend the soup again for a creamier version. Alternatively, you can add sour cream or crème fraîche as a garnish.
Yes, you can substitute watercress with other leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or arugula. Please remember that the soup’s flavor and texture might be a little different.
This soup takes approximately 30-40 minutes to make from start to finish.
It depends on the type of broth used. If using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, then yes, this soup is vegetarian-friendly.
Yes, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp,or tofu to this soup for an added protein boost. Simply add the protein towards the end of cooking so that it doesn’t overcook and become tough.
Yes, you can adjust the consistency of this soup by adding more or less chicken broth or water depending on your preference. If you prefer a thicker soup, then use less liquid. For a thinner soup, add more liquid until you reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion:
Mary Berry’s Watercress Soup is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed year-round. The combination of fresh watercress, onions, potatoes, and chicken broth creates a flavorful and nutrient-rich soup that is easy to make. The soup can be adjusted to suit individual taste preferences by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables. It can be enjoyed as a light lunch or served as a starter for a dinner party. Overall, Mary Berry’s Watercress Soup recipe is a great addition to any recipe collection, and perfect for those who are looking for a tasty and healthy soup option.
