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Chilled Watercress Soup with Onion Cream

This vibrant chilled watercress soup is a sophisticated choice for warm weather dining, offering a refreshing peppery flavour that is beautifully balanced by the silkiness of single cream. The addition of fresh leeks and onions provides a deep savoury base, while the bright green hue makes it a visually stunning centrepiece for a summer starter or a light garden lunch.

Prepared in advance, this vegetarian dish allows the flavours to develop fully as it chills, making it an effortless option for entertaining. The zesty spring onion cream, spiked with lemon and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, adds a complex finish that cuts through the richness. Serve it in chilled shallow bowls with crusty bread for a truly elegant seasonal treat.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Chilled Watercress Soup with Onion Cream

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced

  • 1 large leek (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced

  • 950ml vegetable broth

  • 1 large bunch or 2 medium bunches watercress, thick stems removed (about 950ml )

  • 240ml half cream

  • 60ml crème fraîche

  • 2 spring onions, thinly sliced, dark green part reserved for garnish

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

  • 1/4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

How to make Chilled Watercress Soup with Onion Cream

Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add leek and sauté 5 minutes. Add vegetable broth and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Allow broth to cool uncovered 15 minutes.

Place 3 cups watercress in blender. Pour half of warm broth mixture over watercress and blend until smooth.

Add half cream and blend until combined. Transfer soup to bowl. Puree remaining broth mixture in blender until smooth; stir into soup in bowl. If more watercress flavour is desired, puree 1/2 cup watercress with 2 cups soup in same blender. Repeat with more watercress, if desired. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill until cold, at least 4 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.)

Whisk crème fraîche, white and pale green parts of spring onions, and all remaining ingredients in small bowl. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)

Divide soup among 6 shallow bowls. Drizzle with spring onion cream; sprinkle with sliced dark spring onion tops.

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.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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