Recipes Information


Wild Watercress Soupt (Nasturtium officinale)


Wild Watercress soup is a delicious and nutritious recipe with the leaves available in spring and early summer. Watercress is rich in Vitamins A and C, iron, iodine and phosphorus. Watercress has been used as part of a holistic response to cancer of the lungs, larynx, oesophagus, prostate, bladder, uterus, stomach and intestines. It can be used in the treatment of:

skin problems
bronchitis
winter colds or flu
liver or kidney fatigue
sinusitis

However there are dangers: watercress may cause cystitis in some people and its medicinal use is not advised for those who have a delicate stomach or suffer from acidosis or heartburn. Excessive or prolonged use may lead to kidney problems. Some doctors advise against its use during pregnancy. Wild watercress often grows in streams inhabited by water snails which carry liver fluke. There is also the possibility of bacterial infection. Eating wild watercress in a raw state is not advised for this reason. Cooking the leaves for a short period removes the dangers. Also make sure that the watercourse feeding the stream in which the watercress grows is free from industrial or agricultural pollution.

Ingredients for watercress soup: Pick the watercress from clean water areas by pinching out the tops of the plants. Uprooting them will destroy this resource for everyone. Gather a good handful for each person who will be sharing this delicious spring treat. Other ingredients for a soup for 4 people are:

2 large potatoes
generous knob of butter
dash of olive oil (to prevent butter burning)
stock cube (chicken or vegetable)
salt and freshly ground pepper
single cream

Instructions:
1. Cube the potatoes and cook them gently in the oil and butter until they are starting to soften
2. Add boiling water and dissolve the stock cube. Simmer for 10-15 minutes
3. Coarsely chop the watercress and add to the mix for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally
4. Liquidise and add in some single cream to taste. Add Salt and pepper to taste
5. Use some purchased raw watercress leaves and pepper to garnish

This nutritious soup is warming when hot and a refreshing summer soup when served cold. Watercress is part of the Nasturtium family whose peppery leaves are well known for their nutraceutical value. In addition to containing high vitamin C contents and antioxidant Beta-carotene, it contains vitamin E and is a natural antibiotic. It is sometimes used in complementary medicine to speed up the body's detoxification processes.

Thanks to Dr A. Dracea, J. Lust, R. Phillips

From an ebook called 'Wild Food' underway at simonthescribe.If you wish to republish this article (with this resource box intact) you will find excellent quality pictures to accompany it at http://www.simonthescribe.co.uk/wildwatercresssoup.html


MORE RESOURCES:

Casa Silva sauv blanc review, plus tasty pasta recipe
Palm Beach Post
This recipe is from a book I use frequently, by former HGTV star Christopher Lowell, The Hassle-Free Host: Super-Simple Tablescapes and Recipes for Stunning ...

and more »


Three Recipes for National Lasagna Day
HULIQ
Today is National Lasagna Day and to celebrate this year, why not try a healthy variation of the classic Italian recipe with a delicious meal from Focus28 ...

and more »


Jennifer Mastroianni: Recipes, cool and collected, from refrigerator makers
Freeport Journal-Standard
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers just published “Cook with Cold: Old Tyme Refrigerator Recipes,” a collection ...

and more »


'Top Chef': Visualize whirled peas
Los Angeles Times (blog)
Several of his recipes felt more like an attempt to clean out the pantry (white chocolate, tapioca and chevre pie, with an almond crust and raspberry puree, ...

and more »


Raspberry adds twist to old recipe
Hattiesburg American
I asked her to write her recipe. So, to new friend, Jenny Busby, here is her recipe. I can't wait to try it! In a large pot, place figs and Jell-O. Bring to ...

and more »


PF Chang's eggplant dish worth duplicating
MiamiHerald.com
A: PF Chang's does not share its recipes, but since this is one of my favorites at the chain, I did my best to duplicate the flavors. ...

and more »


Lemon Cake: So good, but a recipe for weight gain
San Angelo Standard Times
The recipe for you in her book might as well have been a singles ad: Lemon Cake seeking main squeeze. Must possess sense of humor and parchment paper. ...

and more »


Telegraph.co.uk

Rose Prince's recipes for August: Tomato tart with basil oil
Telegraph.co.uk
Thin and crisp, the buttery base of this easy-to-make tart shows off the flavour of sweet cooked tomato. By Rose Prince Bake it thoroughly and it will last ...
Rose Prince's recipes for August: land of plentyTelegraph.co.uk
Rose Prince's recipes for August: Baked eggs with roasted sweet peppers and ...Telegraph.co.uk

all 3 news articles »


Recipes Using Essential Oils
New York Times
By THE NEW YORK TIMES Fill a small vial or jar, preferably with a twist-off cap, with a natural salt. Add 5 to 10 drops of therapeutic grade peppermint ...



Palm Beach Post

Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with new frozen treats
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
Their 50 recipes for ice cream, sorbet, and other frozen treats include fresh and dried herbs and spices, such as basil, cumin and cinnamon. ...
Making ice cream at home is a snapFlorida Times-Union
Exploring a summer love of ice creamPalm Beach Post
Creamy without crankingCharlotte Observer
Calgary Herald
all 21 news articles »

Google News

home | site map
© 2007