Watercress Celery Soup
A light and refreshing watercress and celery soup with subtle basil flavor, perfect for a quick, healthy starter or lunch option for any season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in an electric blender.
- Blend at high speed for 30 seconds.
- Pour the soup into a medium-sized saucepan.
- Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Garnish with sprigs of watercress, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If watercress is unavailable, fresh spinach can be a good substitute, albeit with a different flavor profile. Adjust the basil to your liking; fresh basil can elevate the taste further. To enhance the soup, adding a splash of lemon juice before blending can brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh watercress sprigs for an appealing touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad. For a delightful meal, consider serving it alongside a Coconut Banana Pudding(From Nigeria) for dessert or a refreshing Tropical Storm cocktail to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens while cooling, add a little milk or water during reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Watercress Celery Soup contains roughly 84 calories, with 3g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 531mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by using a plant-based cream of celery soup and substituting the milk with almond or oat milk. Ensure the vegetable broth or stock you use is also vegan-friendly.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
This soup can be frozen, but it's best to consume it fresh for optimal flavor and texture. If freezing, leave out the milk and add it when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
To adjust the thickness, you can add more milk for a creamier soup or reduce the cooking time to keep it lighter. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker consistency, let it simmer longer or add a thickener like cornstarch mixed with water.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).