WATERCRESS SOUP WITH WHISKEY CREAM

Watercress Soup With Whiskey Cream image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons Irish whiskey
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 small russet potato, peeled and chopped
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt
2 bunches watercress, tough stems trimmed
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

Bring the cream and 2 tablespoons whiskey to a simmer in a medium skillet over medium heat; cook until reduced to about 3/4 cup, about 10 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon whiskey. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until cold.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and celery; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water, the potato, broth, sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt; bring to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until the potato is tender, about 10 minutes.
Add the watercress to the saucepan and simmer until just tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer the soup to a blender in batches and puree until smooth. Return to the saucepan and bring to a bare simmer; season with salt and pepper.
Whisk the chilled whiskey cream until soft peaks form. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a dollop of the whipped cream.