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Watercress Velouté

This elegant watercress velouté is a vibrant, sophisticated starter that celebrates the peppery flavour of fresh British watercress. The addition of sliced potatoes creates a naturally thick and velvety texture, while a touch of butter adds a luxurious finish. It is a wonderfully light yet comforting dish, perfect for a spring lunch or as a refined opening course for a dinner party with friends.

As a versatile vegetarian soup, this recipe relies on high-quality vegetable stock and fresh herbs to provide a deep, savoury base. The heat of the watercress is beautifully balanced by a cooling swirl of crème fraîche and the delicate onion notes of fresh chives. Serve it immediately with crusty sourdough or warm granary bread for a truly healthy and homemade seasonal treat.

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Ingredients for Watercress Velouté

  • 475ml chicken or vegetable stock

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 shallots, finely chopped

  • 2 bunches watercress, chopped (including tender stems)

  • fine sea salt

  • freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled, thinly sliced

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1/3 cup crème fraîche

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

Bring stock to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add watercress and season with salt and pepper; stir to wilt. Add potatoes and hot stock, bring to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes. Reduce heat; simmer until potatoes are tender, about 8 minutes.

Purée soup in a blender until smooth. Stir in butter until melted and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Ladle soup into bowls and top each with a spoonful of crème fraîche and some chives. Serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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