Watercress Recipes

The ancient Greeks believed watercress could brighten their intellect
“Eat watercress and get wit.”

matakana watercress

Watercress, bursting with vitamins, minerals and nutrients, and it tastes great too.

Watercress Recipes

One of the best things about watercress is its versatility. An ancient green, watercress is part of the cruciferous (also known as brassica) family of vegetables along withᅠkale, broccoli, rocket and brussel sprouts. Watercress is more peppery than rocket, but it is more flavourful and packs a heap more of a nutritional punch.

According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, two cups of fresh watercress contains only 7 calories. And eating 2 cups of watercress will meet 212% of vitamin K, 48% of your vitamin C, 44% of vitamin A, 8% ofᅠcalciumᅠand manganese, 6% of potassiumᅠand 4% of vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6,ᅠmagnesiumᅠand phosphorus needs for the day. What’s not to like?

Want to incorporate more watercress benefits into your diet?

Watercress is most commonly eaten fresh in salads, as a garnish or in sandwiches. However, watercress can also be incorporated into pastas, casseroles and sauces just like any other green. Watercress will sauté faster than tougher greens like kale and lends a mild, slightly peppery taste. It also makes for fantastic soups, both creamy and clear. Add watercress to your next omelette or scrambled eggs. Looking for something to go with crackers or crudités? You can’t go past Watercress pesto and creamy dips.

Watercress Recipes – Enjoy!

Creamy Watercress Soup

Creamy Watercress Soup

Serves 6 Ingredients 3 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion, peeled and diced salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 cups (1.5l) water 450g potatoes, peeled and diced 225g (about 9 cups) of watercress leaves and tender stems 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen peas Method Melt...

Watercress Potatoes With Smoked Kahawai

Watercress Potatoes With Smoked Kahawai

Serves 4 Ingredients 800g potatoes, peeled and sliced into 2cm-thick slicesA small bunch of spring onions, trimmed and sliced2 bunches of watercress, washed and large stalks removedA splash of flavourless oil150g crème fraiche200ml skimmed milk250g smoked trout,...

Matakana Salad of Oranges, Beetroot, Watercress & Fried Haloumi

Matakana Salad of Oranges, Beetroot, Watercress & Fried Haloumi

Ingredients 12 baby beetroot 3 large oranges, peeled with a knife 1/2 cup fresh hazelnuts, roasted in a hot oven until golden, then roughly chopped 2 cups young watercress, washed and stalks removed 12 thick slices haloumi cheese 4 tbsp light-style olive oil 1/2...

Summer Mango, Watercress & Pomegranate Salad

Summer Mango, Watercress & Pomegranate Salad

This summer salad is the perfect match for any occasion. It is packed with flavour and nutrient rich watercress and spinach. Ingredients 1/4 pomegranate, seeds removed and reserved 1 cup watercress 1 cup spinach 1 mango, sliced 1/4 cup feta, crumbled 1/4 red onion,...

Pork Rib & Watercress Soup

Pork Rib & Watercress Soup

This nutritious soup is good anytime you need a pick-me-up or just to keep you warm on a cool, rainy day. Chinese dates are supposed to be good for circulation and to relieve stress. Serves 4 Ingredients 1/2 kgᅠmeaty pork ribs 1 bunchᅠwatercress, washed thoroughly...

Creamy Watercress Dip

Creamy Watercress Dip

Creamy cottage cheese combines with watercress, lemon, chive, and parsley to make a bright dip for raw vegetables. Ingredients About 120g 0f watercress1 cup cottage cheese1⁄3ᅠcup mayonnaise1⁄4ᅠcup each roughly chopped chives and parsley2 tbsp. fresh lemon juiceSalt...

Watercress Pesto

Watercress Pesto

Ingredients 1 bunch of watercress (about 75 g) 1 clove of garlic 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts (or sunflower seeds) 50-75ml olive oil 50g fresh Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste Method Place watercress, garlic and pine nuts in a food processor and puree them...

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