Pea & Watercress Soup

Winter soup series

Welcome to my winter warmer soup series. Where better to start than green soup? I promise it tastes delicious and is a fab comforting winter lunch. My mum used to make this soup for me growing up and I’ll never forget the initial delight of trying a green soup that is actually tasty! Read on for a delicious recipe packed full of nutrients and vitamins to fight off those pesky winter colds.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 2-3 leeks

• 2 garlic cloves

• 2-3 Sticks of celery

• 400g frozen peas

• 100g watercress

• 1/4 lemon

• 600ml veg stock

• dollop of creme fresh (optional)

• handful of fresh mint or parsley to garnish (optional)

Ready in 20 minutes

First off, start with some large organic leeks, a generous helping of fresh watercress, frozen peas, celery and garlic. These 5 ingredients make your delicious green soup!

The celery is absolute staple in this soup and brings a natural saltiness and once blended add a creamy, thicker texture to the soup.

Sauté your leeks, garlic and celery in a pan for 5-7 minutes, until it looks soft and smells fragrant, adding salt and pepper if desired. Now add the some vegetable stock, the peas and watercress and allow to simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, or until the peas are cooked and cress slightly wilted. Once cooled slightly, squeeze in your lemon to taste and get your handheld food blender (or pour into a regular blender) and blend until smooth. There will still be some slight texture.

Now you are ready to serve up and add a completely optional dollop of crème fresh (it’s still perfectly delicious without) and if desired garnish with mint or parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

Enjoy your vitamin c packed soup