10 Wonderful Ways With Watercress
1st Jan 2015 Recipes
Watercress is in season now and it's the Daddy of all superfoods. Top foodie blogger Jacqueline Meldrum shows us how to make the most of this fantastic and versatile veg, choosing 10 of her favorite recipes from the blogosphere.
What is a superfood?
Eating a variety of vegetables is important for your health, but some vegetables really pack a punch and these are called Superfoods. They contain more nutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals than any other vegetables and can help prevent cancer and heart disease as well as being good for your general health.
Here are the top 5 Superfoods:
- Watercress
- Chinese Cabbage
- Chard
- Beet Greens (the leaves and stalks of beetroot)
- Spinach
We all need to incorporate watercress in our diets, but how? Watercress can often be found in soups and egg sandwiches, but why not try something a bit different?
Scroll down for 10 ways with watercress.
10 Wonderful Watercress Recipes
Creamy Watercress Stuffed Crepes with Balsamic Reduction
Becca flipped a stack of homemade crepes and filled them a mixture of ricotta, Greek yoghurt, watercress and honey, then finished them with a drizzle of balsamic reduction. What a lavish lunch this would make.
Get the recipe here: Amuse Your Bouche
Watercress and Pea Falafels
I love falafel, they are great on sandwiches, wraps and even on kebabs if you're having a barbeque. They are healthy little bites and these watercress and pea falafels look extra special.
Get the recipe here: Sips and Spoonfuls
Roasted Sweet Potato, Quinoa and Watercress Warm Salad
Now that Summer is coming to an end and Autumn is enveloping us in it's cool, dark embrace we start to think about soups for nourishment, but don't give up on salads just yet. Why not try a warm salad like this instead?
Get the recipe here: Bring Joy
Omelette Rollups with Smoky Fried Potatoes, Cream Cheese and Watercress
We already know watercress works wells with egg, but instead of a sandwich filling why not try this simple roulade to impress your guests. It's pretty frugal too, so you won't break the bank.
Get the recipe here: Veggie Belly
Orecchiette with Watercress and Spring Pea Sauce
I love pasta with green sauces and this one looks particularly delicious. The Orecchiette is coated in a green sauce of watercress, peas, lemon, herbs and topped with a crumbling of feta.
Get the recipe here: Betsy Life
Irish Champ
Heather has made one of the most comforting side dishes you could imagine. Who doesn't love creamy mashed potato? This mash is mixed with watercress, leeks and parsley. Mmmmmm!
Get the recipe here: Girlichef
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is another Superfood. Unlike rice or wheat, quinoa is a complete protein that contains all 9 essential amino acids. It contains 5 times more calcium than animal protein and 9 times more iron than that found in a single serving of meat, so just imagine how amazing it is when paired with watercress in a fresh salad like this. Great for a packed lunch.
Get the recipe here: She Likes Food
Creamy Watercress Stuffed Crepes with Balsamic Reduction
For something a little bit different why not try this creamy dip, it only takes seconds to make. Serve it with breadsticks, vegetables or nachos. It would also be good on wraps or salad filled pitta bread.
Get the recipe here: The Bitehouse
The Healthy Green
I make a lot of smoothies to boost my family's intake of fruit and vegetables. It's a quick and tasty option, but do try to make your own if you want the full benefit. This gorgeous green smoothie features watercress, banana, apple, lime and fresh herbs.
Get the recipe here: Healthy Green Drink
Watercress and Grapefruit Baked Doughnuts with Citrus Glaze and Grapefruit Pearls
Katherine specialises in creating sweet recipes including vegetables and she doesn't disappoint with these pretty baked doughnuts. Katherine also explains how to make Grapefruit pearls, which I was rather intrigued by.
Get the recipe here: Veggie Dessert
Author: Jacqueline Meldrum is a freelance food writer and recipe developer. Jacqueline blogs at Tinned Tomatoes
Read more articles by Jacqueline Meldrum here