Easy Homemade Watercress Sauce Recipe: Fresh & Zingy Flavor

Crafting a vibrant watercress sauce brings unexpected culinary magic to your kitchen adventures.

Green and peppery notes dance across your taste buds with surprising intensity.

Every home cook can master this simple yet sophisticated condiment in minutes.

Delicate herbs mingle with smooth, creamy elements to create something truly special.

Nutrient-rich watercress provides a bold, fresh foundation for this versatile sauce.

Professional chefs and weekend cooking enthusiasts alike appreciate its remarkable depth of flavor.

Let’s unlock the secret to making this delightful sauce that will transform your favorite dishes.

Why Delia Smith Watercress Sauce Adds A Fresh Touch

• Craft Vibrant Flavor: Watercress sauce delivers a zesty, peppery punch that transforms ordinary dishes into gourmet experiences with minimal ingredients.
• Master Quick Cooking: This recipe requires just a few simple steps, making it perfect for home cooks who want to elevate their culinary skills without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Companion Sauce: Drizzle over grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables to instantly upgrade your meal with a fresh, herbaceous twist that adds sophisticated flair.
• Healthy Green Boost: Packed with nutrient-rich watercress, this sauce introduces a powerful green ingredient that brings both nutrition and vibrant color to your plate.

Ingredients For Delia Smith Watercress Sauce

• Watercress: A fresh, peppery green herb that provides the primary flavor and color for the sauce.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
• Oil: Helps prevent butter from burning and provides smooth cooking base.

• Dijon Mustard: Brings a tangy, sharp kick to the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• Creme Fraiche: Contributes a luxurious, smooth, and slightly tangy cream element to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out the natural flavors of the sauce ingredients.

How To Make Delia Smith Watercress Sauce Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Fat

Place a small saucepan on the stove and combine butter and oil. Heat them together over medium temperature until they melt and blend smoothly.

Step 2: Wilt the Watercress

Drop the fresh watercress into the pan and let it cook gently. Allow the greens to soften and become tender, stirring occasionally for about 12 minutes.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

• Dijon mustard
• Creme fraiche

Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for one minute, stirring to blend the flavors completely.

Step 4: Season and Enhance

Sprinkle salt and pepper into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sauce to a serving dish immediately. If not serving right away, keep the sauce warm until needed, ensuring it maintains its smooth and rich consistency.

Tips To Get Delia Smith Watercress Sauce Just Right

• Wilt Watercress Gently: Cook slowly to preserve the delicate flavor and bright green color without burning the leaves.
• Balance Mustard Carefully: Add Dijon mustard sparingly to complement the peppery watercress without overpowering the sauce.
• Prevent Curdling Trick: Keep heat low when adding creme fraiche to maintain smooth, silky texture and prevent separation.
• Serve Immediately Fresh: Enjoy the sauce right away for maximum flavor and vibrant green appearance.
• Season Strategically: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end to enhance the natural peppery notes of watercress.

Flavor Variations For Delia Smith Watercress Sauce

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace creme fraiche with coconut cream and use olive oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Herb Fusion: Swap watercress with a mix of fresh parsley, chives, and basil to create a vibrant green sauce with complex herbal notes.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the cooking process to transform the sauce into a zesty, warming condiment perfect for grilled meats.
• Low-Carb Option: Use Greek yogurt in place of creme fraiche and increase the mustard for a tangier, protein-rich sauce that complements low-carbohydrate dishes.

Perfect Pairings For Delia Smith Watercress Sauce

• Elevate Seafood Pairing: Drizzle this vibrant watercress sauce over pan-seared salmon or delicate white fish like halibut for a fresh, peppery kick that complements the mild seafood flavors.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to enhance the herbaceous notes of the watercress and cut through the creamy richness of the sauce.
• Serve with Roasted Chicken: Spoon the watercress sauce alongside herb-roasted chicken breasts, creating a bright, tangy accompaniment that adds depth and complexity to the lean protein.

How To Store Delia Smith Watercress Sauce Easily

• Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Warm sauce slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain smooth consistency. Add a splash of cream if sauce appears too thick.
• Creme fraiche and watercress tend to separate and lose texture when frozen, compromising the sauce's quality and appearance.
• If sauce separates during reheating, whisk vigorously or use an immersion blender to restore creamy texture.

FAQs For Delia Smith Watercress Sauce

• What is watercress sauce good for?

This versatile sauce pairs wonderfully with fish, chicken, and roasted vegetables, adding a peppery and creamy flavor to many dishes.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have creme fraiche?

You can replace creme fraiche with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture and tangy taste.

• How long will the watercress sauce stay fresh?

The sauce can be refrigerated for 2-3 days in an airtight container, but it’s best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal flavor and texture.

• Is watercress sauce healthy?

Watercress is nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants, making this sauce a nutritious addition to your meal.

Watercress Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Silky smooth watercress sauce brings Mediterranean elegance to your culinary canvas, blending fresh herbs with creamy richness. Green and zesty, this sauce elevates simple dishes with sophisticated French-inspired flavors you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 60 grams (2 ounces) watercress
• 100 milliliters (3 ounces) half-fat creme fraiche
• 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) Dijon mustard

Cooking Fats:

• 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) butter
• 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) oil

Seasonings:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Melt butter and oil together in a compact saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth cooking base.
2. Introduce fresh watercress into the pan, allowing it to gently soften and wilt for approximately 12 minutes while maintaining moderate temperature.
3. Incorporate Dijon mustard and creme fraiche, then lower the heat to create a delicate simmer for one minute, ensuring ingredients blend harmoniously.
4. Carefully season the sauce with salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
5. Serve the vibrant green sauce immediately while warm, or maintain a gentle heat until ready to accompany your desired dish.

Notes

• Use young, fresh watercress for the brightest flavor and most tender texture.
• Balance the sauce’s richness by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the overall taste.
• Consider swapping creme fraiche with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version that works well for low-fat diets.
• Blend the sauce completely smooth for a silky consistency if you prefer a more refined texture, using an immersion blender or food processor.

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 94 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 12 mg