Watercress is a delicate green that tastes like fresh pepper.The best cress is found at your local farmer's market, which means that you're supporting small farms and businesses.If you take the time to trim, wash, and perk up your cress, you'll be able to use this leafy green in an amazing range of dishes.
Step 1: You can get the freshest watercress.
Watercress is an amazing summer superfood because it is packed with vitamins.Once the watercress has been picked, these nutrients begin to break down.If you want to get all the health benefits and flavor this green has to offer, source it from a farmer's market or well-stocked supermarket.Don't pick wild cress if you want fresh watercress.It may carry pollutants.You can keep it fresh for a few days if you can't eat it immediately.Wrap it with a damp paper towel and put it in a plastic bag.
Step 2: The greens should be trimmed.
The best leaves will do when you are ready to eat.Kitchen shears can be used to cut off dead leaves and stems.These will be either yellow or brown.The lower parts of the stalks can be cut.
Step 3: The watercress should be washed.
For a few seconds, hold the leaves and stems under the cold water.The next step is to rinse off dirt.It's important to keep the water cold so that it doesn't get wet before the time.It is not necessary to use soap to wash the greens.
Step 4: The water is cold.
If you have had your watercress for a couple of days and it seems a little floppy, you can perk it up.The leaves should be placed in a bowl of cold water and ice cubes.Dry the leaves.
Step 5: The leaves should be dried.
Rub the leaves with paper towels or clean tea towels to dry them.Make sure you don't apply too much pressure.It's better to have a small amount of cress than a large amount.
Step 6: You can use it in a salad.
To celebrate the summery qualities of watercress, you can base a salad around it.It has a delicate texture and a peppery taste.You can celebrate spring with a salad.To perk up a potato salad, use a large quantity of chopped watercress.If you want the leaves to stay fresh, make sure to fully cool the potatoes before adding them.
Step 7: You can put it in a sandwich.
Watercress sandwiches are a famous dainty food, but you can put anything you want on a sandwich.If you want to experiment, use watercress instead of more traditional greens like lettuce.In a classic tea sandwich, let cress steal the show.Spread two pieces of white bread thickly with your favorite butter.There is a ham and cheddar sandwich that you can try.It might add something new to an old favorite.
Step 8: You can decorate a pizza.
If you make a pizza with it, you can make it even more fresh-tasting.It pairs well with other types of cheese.If you want to avoid over cooking the leaves, toss them on in the last couple minutes of baking.
Step 9: The greens should be thwacked.
If you want a cooked vegetable, you can quickly wilt it.For a short time, saute it in some good oil.If you want to cook out vitamins, don't saute for any more than that.Salt, garlic, and pepper are good for flavor.
Step 10: It's a good idea to stick it in a soup.
You can add a few handfuls of watercress at the end of the cooking time if you are making a soup.If the soup sits on the heat for too long, it will go bitter.A classic French veloute soup puts the cress flavor front and center if you want something more creamy and blended.