🍳DailyRecipes
Soup

Nourishing Watercress Soup with Red Dates

A soothing and healthy soup that combines the peppery freshness of watercress with the subtle sweetness of red dates.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Chinese· July 15, 2026
Nourishing Watercress Soup with Red Dates
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
25 minutes
Serves
4

This watercress soup is a staple in many households because it is simple to make and feels very restorative. The combination of fresh greens and dried fruit creates a unique flavor profile that is both savory and lightly sweet.

I find that this soup is best enjoyed warm on a chilly afternoon. A quick tip is to make sure you wash the watercress thoroughly in cold water before you start cooking, as it can sometimes hold onto a bit of grit from the garden.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch fresh watercress
  • 8 dried red dates
  • 1 tablespoon dried goji berries
  • 4 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse the watercress well in cold water and trim off any tough lower stems.

  2. 2

    Bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot.

  3. 3

    Add the red dates to the pot and turn the heat down to low, letting them simmer for about 10 minutes to soften.

  4. 4

    Add the watercress and goji berries into the pot.

  5. 5

    Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the watercress is wilted and tender.

  6. 6

    Season the soup with salt and a drizzle of sesame oil just before serving.

💡 Tips

Serve this soup immediately while it is fresh and bright. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but reheat gently to keep the watercress from getting too mushy.

#soup#healthy#vegetarian#vegan#easy recipe

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