Watercress and Pea Soup is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines fresh watercress and tender peas in a creamy, velvety base. This flavorful soup is often enhanced with ingredients like leek, mint and a splash of lemon juice, creating a perfect balance of earthy and bright flavours. Served warm or chilled, it's an invigorating choice for any season, offering a delightful blend of textures and nutrients.
Remove the stems of the watercress, place them in a salad spinner and cover with water. Set aside until the watercress looks crisp, around 5 minutes. Spin and drain, then roughly chop.
In a soup pot, dry fry the leeks with a little water. Cook over low heat untiil the leek softens.
Add the water, grated potatoes, minted peas and watercress. Cover and simmer over low heat until peas and potatoes are tender.
Stir through the mint and simmer for a further one minute.
Using a stick blender or batch blending separately. Blend the soup until completely smooth. Just before serving, squeeze in half a lemon and gently stir through. Serve hot or allow to cool completely, then move to the fridge for at least an hour for a refreshing cool soup.