The bright color and peppery flavor of watercress adds a touch of green goodness to this delicious vegan potato soup recipe. Traditionally dairy-based, it’s easy to make this classic a vegan leek and potato soup by simply swapping in plant-based milk.
Oat milk or cashew milk are my favorites for this soup because of their creaminess. If you can make this soup the a couple of hours before, or the night before it’s needed, so much the better — the flavors improve from standing overnight. But if you need to serve it just after it’s made, that’s more than fine.
Tips for prepping leeks
Leeks are related to both garlic and onions, and have a sweeter, subtler flavor than their lily-family cousins. Leeks often have sandy soil lodged between rings, so washing well is very important.
Trim off the brush-like root end and dark green stalks (stalks can be used in stock preparation, but are otherwise not palatable).
Cut the remaining white and light-green portion of each leek in half lengthwise, then cut into 1/4-inch slices. Place in a colander and run water over them, separating them as you do, until completely clean.
If the leeks are very sandy, first put the slices into a bowl of water and swish around to loosen before transferring to a colander to complete the rinsing. See lots more in this site’s Guide to Leeks.
A bit about watercress
A member of the mustard family, the peppery heat of this tiny green comes from the mustard oils that are released when chewing the leaves. Its tender leaves have a pleasant bite. This vitamin-C rich green is easy to love.
Watercress is usually sold in small bouquet-like bundles. The diminutive roundish leaves top long, slender stems. The stems are edible and you can use as much or as little of them as you choose; it’s a purely aesthetic decision.
In addition to its culinary charms, watercress is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It’s especially rich in vitamins K and C. Here’s a full look at its nutrition facts. Learn more in our Guide to Watercress, with more info, tips, and recipes.
Recipe adapted from Wild About Greens by Nava Atlas. Photos by Hannah Kaminsky, BittersweetBlog.com.
See more bountiful plant-based spring soups.
Vegan Leek and Potato Soup with Watercress
The bright color and flavor of watercress adds a touch of green goodness to a classic soup. It’s easy to make vegan leek and potato soup by simply swapping in plant-based milk.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 medium or 3 large leeks, white and palest green parts only, chopped and very well rinsed (see prep tips above recipe box)
- 4 large potatoes, any variety, peeled and diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 vegetable bouillon cubes
- 1 bunch watercress leaves, roughly chopped (some stem is fine)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups plain plant-based milk
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, more or less to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the leeks and sauté over medium heat, covered, until they begin to turn golden. Stir occasionally.
- Add the potatoes, bay leaf, bouillon cubes, and just enough water to cover. Bring to a slow boil, then simmer gently, covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with the side of a spoon. Add the plant-based milk and simmer over very low heat for 10 minutes longer.
- Stir in the watercress and parsley; season with salt and pepper.
- If time allows, let the soup stand off the heat for an hour or two before serving, or let cool and refrigerate overnight. Heat through before serving. If need be, adjust the consistency with more plant-based milk, then adjust the seasonings.
If you like this potato and greens-based soup, you may also enjoy …
Hot or Cold Cream Vegan Potato Leek Soup
Escarole Soup with White Beans and Potatoes
Potato and Escarole Soup with Vegan Sausage
Here are more heartwarming vegan soups & stews.
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