Watercress Soup Julia Child Recipes

Steps:

• When measuring the watercress leaves and stems, pack them down in the measuring cup.
• Simmer leeks, potatoes, water and salt together, partially covered, 40-50 minutes until vegetables are tender.
• Stir in watercress and simmer 5 minutes.
• While the watercress is simmering, you can prepare the following optional garnish if you wish: a small handful of watercress leaves boiled 30 seconds, rinsed in cold water and drained.
• Mash the vegetables in the soup with a fork, or puree in blender. Correct seasoning.
• Off heat and just before serving, stir in cream or butter by spoonfuls. Decorate with the optional watercress leaves.

Steps:

• Remove the leaves from one bunch of watercress and set them aside. Discard the watercress stems.
• Make sure the leeks are in small dice that will cook up quickly.
• Place butter, leeks and chicken broth in a saucepan.
• Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer 4-5 minutes.
• Add zucchini, cook several minutes more, until zucchini is just tender.
• Add salt and pepper, stir.
• Add watercress and reduce heat. Simmer 1 minute until watercress wilts.
• Remove from heat and purée in a blender.
• Correct seasoning.
• Just before serving, stir in optional cream OR optional virgin coconut oil.
• Serve hot, warm or cold.
• NOTE 1: Because the traditional French soup is pale green, Richard Grausman used peeled zucchini to create a paler shade of green. You could leave the zucchini unpeeled, thereby giving the soup a darker green color.
• NOTE 2: I am now using almond milk successfully instead of cream. Try Almond Breeze original unsweetened.
• NOTE 3: See my description for making this soup Weight Watcher friendly.