This deliciously fresh and vibrant soup is packed with flavour and nutrients. Perfect for a light lunch or as a starter, it’s both Slimming World-friendly and easy to make. The combination of leeks, peas, and peppery watercress creates a wholesome dish that’s low in Syns and high in satisfaction.
During these freezing Winter months, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of homemade soup. This recipe brings together the best of seasonal ingredients to create a dish that’s not only healthy but also bursting with colour and flavour. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or simply looking for a quick, nutritious option, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
10 Reasons You’ll Love This Leek, Pea & Watercress Soup Recipe
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Slimming World-friendly:
Completely Free and full of speed foods. This recipe is perfect for your weight loss journey. -
Quick and easy
Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy days. Perfect for busy mums and shift workers. -
Low cost
Made with budget-friendly ingredients like leeks, peas, and watercress. -
Nutrient-packed
Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fibre for a healthy boost. -
Customisable
Add extra protein, spices, or toppings to suit your taste. -
Light yet satisfying
Perfect for a starter or a light lunch without feeling heavy. -
Great for meal prep
Freezes well, so you can have a healthy option ready anytime. -
Seasonal flavours
Showcasing the best of fresh, green ingredients. Leeks peak during the October – March months. -
Dairy-free option
Simply skip the yoghurt for a vegan-friendly version. -
Beautifully vibrant
A bowl of this soup is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Batch Cook – Storage Information:
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Refrigeration: Once cooled, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot before serving.
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Freezing: Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before enjoying.
Can This Recipe Be Adapted?
Yes, this recipe is highly adaptable! Here are a few ways to tweak it:
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Protein Boost
- Add shredded cooked chicken, prawns, or lean ham for added protein while keeping it Slimming World-friendly.
- For vegetarians, stir in some cooked lentils or chickpeas.
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Spice it Up
- Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Stir in some curry powder for an Indian-inspired flavour.
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Extra Veggies
- Add courgettes, spinach, or broccoli to increase the vegetable content.
- Swap peas for broad beans or edamame if preferred.
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Creamy Alternative
- For a richer soup, use a small amount of reduced-fat coconut milk or soft cheese (ensure to count the Syns).
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Chunky Version
- Skip blending entirely or only blend half the soup for a chunkier texture.
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Carb-Friendly Toppings
- Add roasted sweet potato cubes or quinoa as a topping for a more filling dish.
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Vegan-Friendly Adaptation
- Use a plant-based yoghurt or leave it out entirely to keep it vegan.
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Leek, Pea & Watercress Soup
Equipment
- Hand Blender
Ingredients
- 2 Medium Leeks [Sliced Thinly]
- 2 Garlic Cloves [Minced]
- 500ml Vegetable Stock
- 200g Frozen Peas
- 2 Large Handfuls of Fresh Watercress
- 100ml Fat Free Natural Yoghurt [Room Temperature]
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Low-calorie Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables:Slice the leeks thinly and rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Mince the garlic.
- Cook the leeks and garlic:Spray a large saucepan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a medium heat. Add the leeks and garlic, cooking gently for 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Add the stock and peas:Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the frozen peas and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the watercress:Stir in the watercress and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Blend the soup:Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly. Use a hand blender to blitz the soup until smooth. For a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup.
- Season and finish:Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the fat-free natural yoghurt for a creamy finish and heat for a few minutes on the hob.
