WATERCRESS AND POTATO SOUP

Watercress and Potato Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped shallot
1 cup chopped peeled potato
1 medium clove garlic, minced
1 sprig fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup firmly packed chopped watercress
1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream, as desired
Sliced toasted almonds and chopped chives, for serving

Steps:

Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the potato, garlic, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring, until the potatoes are well coated, 2 to 3 minutes more. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
Simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a simmer. Stir in the watercress and cook 5 minutes more. Remove from the heat, discard the thyme and let cool at least 5 minutes. Carefully puree until smooth with a handheld immersion blender or in 2 to 3 batches in a blender (do not fill the blender more than halfway full per batch).
Stir in the cream and reheat the soup if necessary, adjusting the consistency and seasoning with additional water, salt and pepper.
Serve hot sprinkled with almonds and chives.