Top Watercress Substitutes You Should Try
Watercress is a leafy green known for its spicy, peppery flavor, making it a vibrant addition to many dishes. This aquatic plant, native to Europe and Asia, is gaining popularity in North America for its nutritional benefits.
The watercress stands out among other greens at the market with its small, round green leaves and light green stems. But what if you don’t have any available? No worries—plenty of great alternatives can easily replace watercress in your recipes.
What Exactly is Watercress?
Watercress, sometimes called yellowcress, belongs to the mustard family, which means it’s part of the same group as other spicy greens. It is typically small, growing only about 4 to 6 inches tall. The leaves are tiny, no more than 1.5 inches wide, and usually have short stems, which are often included in dishes.
Nutritional Value of Watercress
Watercress is a nutrient-dense food with few calories but many vitamins and minerals. It’s especially rich in vitamin K, essential for bone health, and vitamin C, crucial for a robust immune system. Watercress also contains vitamin A for good vision, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Due to vitamins A and C, its high antioxidant content also helps combat oxidative stress.
What Does Watercress Taste Like?
Raw watercress has a unique flavor—earthy, grassy, and slightly spicy, similar to mustard greens or wasabi. Its stalks are crisp and chewy, making it a great addition to potato salads, pizzas, and pasta dishes. When cooked, watercress wilts quickly, losing some of its sharpness but retaining a bright and savory flavor, especially when stir-fried or added to soups and stews.
How Do We Use Watercress?
Historically, watercress was used for medicinal purposes, especially in treating lung conditions and the flu. Interestingly, it was also believed to help with baldness!
Watercress is versatile in the kitchen. It’s commonly used in salads but also enhances sauces, pasta dishes, and casseroles. Its bitter taste adds a unique twist to many recipes, making it a staple in various dishes.
Best Watercress Substitutes
Although watercress is available year-round, it might not always be at your local market. Here are some excellent substitutes you can try:
1. Arugula
Arugula, another member of the mustard family, is a fantastic watercress alternative. Though it looks different, arugula has a similar peppery flavor. Young arugula leaves are especially significant in salads, offering a fresh, spicy taste. Plus, arugula is more accessible, making it a convenient substitute.
2. Indian Cress (Nasturtium Leaves)
Indian cress, also known as nasturtium leaves, is one of the closest matches to watercress in fragrance, texture, and flavor. It’s peppery and spicy, perfect for salads and sauces. However, it can be hard to find, especially if it’s not in season.
3. Radish Sprouts
Radish sprouts offer a spicy substitute for watercress in sandwiches, salads, or other uncooked dishes. These tiny greens, harvested soon after germination, pack a peppery punch and are rich in vitamins C and E. While they’re more delicate than watercress, they add a delightful crunch to any dish.
4. Dandelion Greens
Dandelion greens are another excellent choice. Though they lack the peppery kick of watercress, their earthy flavor is quite similar. Young dandelion leaves are milder, while older ones are more bitter. They work well in salads, egg dishes, and soups, especially with a good vinaigrette.
5. Radicchio
With its vibrant purple leaves, Radicchio is a bold substitute for watercress. It’s slightly bitter, adding color and character to salads. You can also grill or stir-fry radicchio to bring out its sweetness, making it a versatile option in the kitchen.
6. Spinach
Spinach is a milder alternative to watercress, lacking the same peppery undertones. While its texture differs, you can mimic the watercress’s flavor by adding a dash of black pepper. Spinach shrinks when cooked like watercress, so keep plenty on hand when preparing a hot dish.
7. Water Spinach (Kangkong)
Water spinach, or kangkong, is a vining plant from Southeast Asia. Despite its name, it’s not a spinach. Water spinach is an excellent substitute in various dishes with a mild flavor that absorbs other ingredients’ tastes.
8. Beet Greens
Beet greens are often overlooked, but their slightly sweet and earthy flavor makes them a good watercress substitute. Since the leaves are large, chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to your dish. They’re perfect in salads when you want a touch of sweetness.
9. Lettuce
Lettuce is a readily available and nutrient-rich substitute for watercress. With many varieties to choose from – like iceberg or Batavia – lettuce is versatile in salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, and more. It’s also great for low-carb wraps.
10. Cabbage
Cabbage, like lettuce, is easy to find and offers health benefits like watercress. Its peppery taste works well in many dishes, though it becomes sweeter when cooked. Red cabbage, with its earthy flavor, is another good option.
11. Kale
Kale is a robust green that can stand for watercress in almost any dish. It’s slightly bitter and earthy, making it a perfect swap. Use kale in the same amount as watercress. If using it raw, massage the leaves first to soften them. Kale is also excellent in soups, stews, or baked into crunchy chips.
12. Collard Greens
Collard greens are another choice, with a taste and texture comparable to kale. They’re slightly bitter and crispy, though you may want to remove the stems before using them. Collard greens hold up well in cooking, making them a versatile substitute.
13. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens, true to their name, are from the mustard family and have a strong, peppery flavor. You might find mustard greens too intense if you’re not a fan of watercress’s bitterness. However, adding a bit of lemon juice can help tone down the bitterness.
Tips for Replacing Watercress
When substituting watercress, consider these factors:
- Nutritional Value: Choose a substitute with similar health benefits. Leafy greens like kale or spinach are remarkable for their vitamin content.
- Taste: Look for a substitute that complements the overall flavor of your recipe. Arugula and dandelion greens are good options if you want something similar.
- Availability: Choose a substitute that’s easy to find. Arugula, lettuce, and cabbage are widely available and make excellent replacements.
The Bottom Line
Watercress is a nutritious, flavorful green that enhances many dishes with its sharp, peppery taste. However, if you don’t have watercress on hand, plenty of alternatives can provide similar flavors and textures. Whether you prefer a milder taste like spinach or a bold, bitter option like Radicchio, you’ll find a substitute that works for your dish. Try these options and see which suits your taste buds best!
