Content
Getting Started: Handling Your Watercress
Before you can enjoy its peppery goodness, a little prep work is needed. Watercress often grows in sandy or silty conditions, so thorough washing is crucial. The best approach is to submerge the bunch in a large bowl of cold water. Gently swish it around to dislodge any dirt or tiny critters. Lift the watercress out, letting the grit settle at the bottom of the bowl. Drain the water, refill, and repeat this process two or three times, or until the water runs completely clear and no sediment remains. Once clean, give it a gentle shake or use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Patting it dry carefully with paper towels also works well, especially if you’re using it raw in salads, as dressings adhere better to dry leaves. For most preparations, you’ll want to trim off the thickest lower stems, particularly if they seem tough. The upper stems and leaves are entirely edible and delicious. Keep the leaves whole for salads or garnishes, or roughly chop them for cooking or blending, depending on your recipe.Raw Power: Unleashing Fresh Flavour
One of the simplest and most rewarding ways to enjoy watercress is raw. This method preserves its signature peppery bite and delicate texture perfectly.Sensational Salads
Watercress forms an excellent base for salads, offering more character than milder lettuces. Its bold flavour pairs wonderfully with a variety of ingredients. Try these combinations:- Classic & Simple: Toss watercress with a light vinaigrette (lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper). Add shaved Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts for extra richness and crunch.
- Fruity & Fresh: Combine watercress with orange or grapefruit segments, thinly sliced red onion, avocado, and a citrus-based dressing. The sweetness and acidity of the fruit balance the cress’s pepperiness beautifully.
- Earthy & Bold: Mix watercress with roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese or feta, walnuts or pecans, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Protein Packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs to make a watercress salad a satisfying main course.
Sandwiches and Wraps with Zing
Move over, iceberg lettuce! Watercress adds a sophisticated and zesty layer to sandwiches and wraps. Its flavour cuts through rich fillings wonderfully.- Tuck a generous handful into roast beef or turkey sandwiches.
- Layer it in vegetarian wraps with hummus, cucumber, and bell peppers.
- It’s famously paired with cucumber and cream cheese for classic tea sandwiches.
- Add it to chicken salad or egg salad sandwiches for an unexpected kick.
Elegant Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of watercress as a garnish. A small sprig adds visual appeal, a pop of colour, and a final burst of fresh flavour. Sprinkle chopped watercress over creamy soups (like potato leek or mushroom), grilled fish, roasted meats, or even scrambled eggs just before serving.Gentle Heat: Cooking with Watercress
While fantastic raw, watercress also benefits from light cooking. Heat mellows its pepperiness slightly, making it appealing in different ways. The key is to avoid overcooking, which can make it lose its vibrancy and texture.Soothing Soups
Creamy watercress soup is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s typically made by sautéing onions and potatoes, adding vegetable or chicken broth, simmering until tender, then blending in a large bunch of watercress at the very end until smooth. A swirl of cream or coconut milk finishes it off beautifully. The heat cooks the watercress just enough to soften it and meld its flavour into the soup without losing its characteristic essence. You can also add chopped watercress to other soups near the end of the cooking time. Stir it into lentil soup, chicken noodle soup, or minestrone during the last few minutes for added flavour and nutrients.Speedy Stir-Fries
Watercress can be a great addition to stir-fries, but timing is crucial. Add it during the last minute or two of cooking, tossing it just until it begins to wilt. It adds a fresh, peppery counterpoint to other vegetables and proteins. It pairs particularly well with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.Simply Wilted
A quick sauté is another excellent way to prepare watercress. Heat a little olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add some minced garlic or shallots and cook for a minute until fragrant. Add the washed and trimmed watercress (it might seem like a lot, but it cooks down significantly) and toss constantly for just 1-2 minutes, until the leaves are wilted but still bright green. Season with salt and pepper. This makes a delicious side dish, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon juice.Important Cooking Tip: Watercress cooks down dramatically, similar to spinach. Ensure you start with a generous amount if you plan to cook it. Avoid prolonged cooking; aim to wilt it quickly over medium-high heat to retain its bright colour and some texture. Overcooked watercress can become mushy and less appealing.
Eggcellent Additions
Fold chopped watercress into omelets or scrambled eggs during the last minute of cooking. The heat will gently wilt the leaves, infusing the eggs with a subtle peppery flavour. It pairs wonderfully with cheese, mushrooms, or smoked salmon in egg dishes.Beyond the Leaf: Blended Applications
Watercress isn’t just for chewing; its bold flavour makes it a fantastic ingredient for blending into sauces, pestos, and even smoothies.Peppery Pesto
Swap out basil for watercress (or use a combination) for a vibrant, zesty pesto. Blend watercress with pine nuts or walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This peppery pesto is fantastic tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, dolloped onto grilled chicken or fish, or mixed into roasted vegetables.Green Smoothies with Attitude
If you enjoy green smoothies, adding a handful of watercress can provide a spicy kick and an extra dose of green goodness. Its strong flavour pairs well with sweet fruits like pineapple, mango, or apple, which help balance the pepperiness. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.Sauces and Dips
Blend watercress into yogurt or sour cream-based dips for crudités or chips. You can also incorporate finely chopped or pureed watercress into creamy pasta sauces or vinaigrettes for an added layer of complexity and colour.Flavour Friends: Perfect Pairings
Watercress plays well with many other ingredients. Understanding these pairings can help you create balanced and delicious dishes:- Citrus: Lemon, orange, grapefruit (juice and zest)
- Dairy/Cheese: Goat cheese, feta, Parmesan, cream cheese, yogurt, blue cheese
- Nuts & Seeds: Walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, sunflower seeds
- Fruits: Apples, pears, berries, avocado, beets
- Proteins: Eggs, chicken, beef (especially steak), salmon, shrimp
- Other Vegetables: Potatoes, onions, garlic, mushrooms, cucumber, radishes, asparagus
- Fats: Olive oil, butter, avocado
Keeping it Fresh
Watercress is quite perishable. To maximize its lifespan, treat it like fresh herbs or flowers. Trim the very ends of the stems and place the bunch upright in a jar or glass with about an inch of cold water, covering the stems. Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag (ensure air can circulate) and store it in the refrigerator. Change the water daily or every other day. Prepared this way, it can last for several days, sometimes up to a week.Verified Freshness Tip: Look for watercress with vibrant, deep green leaves and crisp stems. Avoid bunches that appear yellowed, wilted, or slimy. Properly stored watercress should maintain its signature peppery aroma and taste for several days after purchase.Watercress offers a unique and exciting flavour that can brighten up countless meals. From simple salads and sandwiches to elegant soups and vibrant pestos, the ways to enjoy this peppery green are numerous. Don’t be afraid to experiment – try adding it to your favourite dishes for an unexpected burst of fresh, zesty flavour. Its versatility and bold character make it a worthwhile addition to any kitchen repertoire.
