Watercress Recipes - AFTouch-Cuisine
Watercress is one of those plants that seems to have always existed in our kitchens, and yet it still fascinates and intrigues us just as much. This little peppery green, which grows gracefully in fresh, flowing waters, hides many culinary secrets and a rich history, often overlooked by amateur cooks. It is precisely because watercress deserves to be rediscovered that we are devoting this beautiful selection of recipes to it.
Historically, watercress has not always enjoyed a good reputation. In the Middle Ages, it was the herb of the poor, the kind one gathered freely along streams to garnish a peasant's plate. The Greeks and Romans, however, already appreciated it for its supposed energizing properties. Hippocrates is said to have even used watercress for medicinal purposes! But it was really in France, and particularly in the nineteenth century, that watercress gained its noble credentials, thanks to the watercress farms of Senlis and Fontainebleau which cultivated it with rigor.
Today, what we often forget is that watercress possesses a truly unique flavor: peppery, slightly sharp, with a hint of fresh, briny freshness that makes it irreplaceable in cooking. Contrary to what some might think, it is not simply a green garnish. It is an ingredient that asserts its presence and demands respect. As chef patrick shares in his enthusiastic comment about our Watercress ice cream, it is precisely the judicious use of watercress stems that gives this surprising dish all its character. An observation that doesn't miss the mark!
But watercress is so much more than that. It is a wonderful companion for delicate fish: our Pan-seared wild turbot fillet testifies to this magnificently. It is also the base for delicate and comforting soups, like our Watercress cream which captures the very essence of this plant in a simple and elegant pairing.
For those who love bold combinations, we offer you more sophisticated creations. The Salmon tartare with watercress cream plays on contrasts: the rawness of the fish, the intense freshness of watercress that accompanies without overwhelming. The Scallops with watercress en papillote offer delicate, fragrant cooking that preserves all the subtlety of the flavors. And why not extend the experience with our Watercress ice cream, a poetic creation that always surprises guests?
Watercress simply demands delicacy in its handling. Keep it fresh, use young leaves rather than old stems, and above all, do not forget that its stems are bursting with flavor. It is a generous herb that gives much but appreciates being treated with consideration.
So, ready to rediscover watercress? These recipes await you and will show you that this humble stream green can become the star of your finest meals.
