This week I made a soup that is a bit similar to a recipe I shared seven years ago for Watercress and Potato Soup. That one used wild leeks, and this one has the regular leeks which are sautéed a bit. I mentioned in the older post that I could eat it all myself, and this time I did because watercress is not Tom's favorite food.
When I was shopping, I saw this
and had to buy it. Look at that green!
Potato, Leek, and Watercress Soup
In a large pot, lightly sauté some chopped leeks in 1-2 Tablespoons butter. You could use olive oil or a mixture of both. I thought the butter gave an excellent flavor to the soup.
Peel (or not) and chop a few potatoes.
Put 4 cups of water in the leeks saucepan. Add the potatoes and cook until they are soft. Add roughly chopped watercress.
Cook a while on medium heat.
Then put through a food mill. (You could also use a blender).
I absolutely love this soup, and intend to make it at least every other week. And, as I said, I ate it all. At one sitting.
That looks delicious and a wonderful spring soup! I suspect I'd be the only one of us [me and husband] to eat it which sounds okay to me!
ReplyDeleteMary
I think it is a little hard for us to make food just for ourselves but Tom assures me that he can always find something - like eggs - so I am getting a little better at doing it. Quinoa is another thing that he will.not.touch!
DeleteThat looks like the classic leek and potato soup that can be served hot or cold. Cress sounds like a good addition.
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
It is. And the watercress adds a bit of zing!
DeleteI adore potato leek soup and watercress is a perfect addition. That cress looks so green and gorgeous--it would be hard to resist. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAloha, Deb--Kahakai Kitchen
That green is most welcome after a long winter!
DeleteThe watercress looks so fresh and green.
ReplyDeleteI was interested that it is still living. It did seem very fresh, though it had traveled a long way to get to me!
DeleteLovely. I make leek and potato soup with the leeks my husband grows. I've never put watercress in, I must try that. I usually add a few onions and some celery for extra goodness.
ReplyDeleteWe used to grow leeks. One of my favorite vegetables. I think you might like the cress.
DeleteI love potato and leek soup - it's a comfort food to me. But I've never tasted watercress, so I'm not sure if I would feel the same Tom does! ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt changed a gentle leek and potato soup to something more zingy! I love them both.
DeleteThat looks delicious! I've only cooked with leeks once and I've never tasted watercress. I wonder how my hubby would feel about this recipe. He does like soups with potatoes, but would probably ask me to add some ham or sausage. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd mine hasn't had ham or sausage for 45 years! ;<) Watercress is a powerhouse food. If you are interested, there is a site that tells all about it. http://foodfacts.mercola.com/watercress.html
DeleteThanks for the link, Nan. I'm going to look for some at our market today. I can add it to our salads and my morning smoothies!
DeleteLove the watercress - haven't seen any for a while - been using spinach instead. Cheers from Carole's Chatter!
ReplyDeleteVery different kind of taste, I think. Spinach seems kind of mellow to me, and watercress is very tangy. But I know they are substituted for one another frequently.
DeleteThat watercress looks beautiful. Hard to resist. I bet an immersion blender would work for that soup.
ReplyDeleteI tried it, but it wasn't as smooth as I wanted it, and it splashed a bit! The mill takes longer but I like the result better.
DeleteI am a big potato and leek fan to begin with, so this looks delicious to me and like something I would make and eat in one sitting as well. Thanks, Nan.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome! If you like leek and potato soup, I think you might like this. Watercress isn't for everyone, but I love it in this soup.
DeleteMy favorite recipe is here: http://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/2008/04/vegetables.html It is Gladys Taber's leek and potato soup. Yum!
ReplyDeleteI've had potato and leek but not with watercress. That sounds lovely!
ReplyDeleteUsually we cook watercress soup Chinese-style, with pork ribs in a clear soup.
Here's an example http://fatboo.com/2012/07/watercress-soup.html
It is delicious!
DeleteI've had leeks but never tried watercress. Amazing soup, I would love to share some with you.
ReplyDeleteIt is a bit spicy - I think that would be the right word. I don't think I would eat it in a salad, but with the leeks and potatoes, it is perfect.
DeleteI love potatoes, I love leek, I love watercress - in consequence, I would LOVE this soup! I don't think I will make it any time soon, though, as I have neither a blender nor a food mill. Therefore, I have to make do with drooling over your pictures here :-)
ReplyDeleteThat looks delicious; I would gladly eat Tom's portion if you have too much for yourself ;>)!!!
ReplyDeleteWill definitely be trying this soup, Nan. I love potato anything. And what's not to love about watercress? When we were kids growing up, my mom always added watercress to our salads so I've always loved it.
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