Watercress, also known as yellowcress, is a leafy aquatic plant often utilized for its peppery flavor and impressive nutritional content. While it’s loved by many, you might find yourself needing a watercress substitute due to dietary restrictions, personal flavor preferences, or lack of availability. Substitutes like arugula and mustard greens are among the best alternatives due to their similar spicy and slightly bitter taste profiles. Let’s explore more!
👅 Flavor Profile
Watercress possesses a unique flavor that is pungent and slightly bitter, with a definite peppery kick. Its taste is somewhat similar to radish or mustard. The texture of watercress changes with heat treatment; raw watercress has a crisp texture, while cooked watercress becomes softer, with its pungency somewhat tamed. Arugula, mustard greens, and radish greens have similar flavor profiles, making them apt substitutes.
🔄 The closest replacements/substitutes
Arugula
Arugula, often termed as rocket, is one of the closest substitutes for watercress. With its peppery flavor, the taste is similar, though a bit nuttier and less bitter. Replace watercress with arugula in a 1:1 ratio. This substitution may result in a slightly less spicy dish. Cooking time remains largely unaffected. Nutritionally, arugula contains fewer calories and less vitamin K but is still a healthy alternative. It’s readily available and moderately priced.
Taste and Texture: Similar peppery taste, less bitter, slightly nuttier. Crisp texture.
Nutritional: Lower in calories and vitamin K.
Price and Availability: Widely available, moderate price.
Mustard Greens
Another substitute for watercress is mustard greens, providing a spicy flavor akin to horseradish. Substitute watercress with mustard greens in a 1:1 ratio. Expect a dish with a sharper taste. Cooking times should be the same. Mustard greens are slightly less nutrient-dense but still packed with fiber and vitamins A and C. They’re readily available and moderately priced.
Taste and Texture: Sharper, horseradish-like taste. Crisp texture when raw, soft when cooked.
Nutritional: Rich in fiber, vitamins A and C.
Price and Availability: Easily available, moderate price.
Radish Greens
The greens from radishes are a surprisingly close substitute for watercress, sharing a similar sharp, peppery bite. Substitute in a 1:1 ratio, and the flavor of your dish will remain relatively unchanged. Cooking times will also be similar. Nutritionally, radish greens are quite rich in vitamins A and C. They are less commonly found in stores, but often come with radishes, making them a more economical choice if you’re also using the radish bulbs.
Taste and Texture: Peppery, slightly sharper bite. Texture is similar to watercress when cooked.
Nutritional: High in vitamins A and C.
Price and Availability: Less common in stores, economical if using radish bulbs as well.
Spinach
Although not as peppery as watercress, spinach is a good substitute due to its comparable texture and slightly bitter flavor. Substitute spinach for watercress in a 1:1 ratio and anticipate a milder dish. Spinach cooks down more than watercress, so adjust your cooking times accordingly. Nutritionally, spinach is a superfood, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron. It’s widely available and affordable.
Taste and Texture: Mild, slightly bitter flavor. Soft texture when cooked.
Nutritional: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and iron.
Price and Availability: Widely available, affordable price.
Endive
Endive, with its bitter and slightly spicy flavor, can serve as a watercress substitute. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. Your dish may taste a bit more bitter with endive, and its firmer texture might slightly change the feel of the dish. Nutritionally, endive is high in fiber and vitamins A and K. It’s more common in the winter months and may be slightly pricier.
Taste and Texture: Bitter and slightly spicy flavor. Firm texture.
Nutritional: High in fiber, vitamins A and K.
Price and Availability: Seasonal, slightly higher price.
Dandelion Greens
Don’t overlook dandelion greens as a potential watercress substitute. They are bitter and slightly spicy, making them a good alternative. Use dandelion greens in a 1:1 ratio with watercress. These greens may make your dish taste a bit more bitter. Nutritionally, they are rich in vitamins A and K. Availability can be sporadic, but they are usually inexpensive.
Taste and Texture: Bitter, slightly spicy flavor. Chewy texture.
Nutritional: High in vitamins A and K.
Price and Availability: Sporadic availability, affordable price.
Upland Cress
Also known as winter cress or land cress, upland cress has a similar flavor to watercress, making it an excellent alternative. Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio. The taste of your dish will remain similar, but upland cress has a slightly softer texture. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and is generally available year-round, although it can be pricier than watercress.
Taste and Texture: Similar peppery flavor, softer texture.
Nutritional: High in vitamins A, C, and K.
Price and Availability: Year-round availability, higher price.
🔪 How to Use Watercress Substitutes in Recipes
Salads
Watercress substitutes such as arugula and radish greens work exceptionally well in salads. They offer a similar peppery flavor that balances out the sweetness of fruits or the creaminess of cheese.
Sandwiches
Substitutes like arugula and mustard greens can add a unique flavor to your sandwiches. Whether you’re making a classic egg salad sandwich or a gourmet roast beef baguette, these greens can replace watercress to give your sandwich a spicy twist.
Soup
Spinach and dandelion greens can be used as a substitute for watercress in soup recipes. Their slightly bitter flavor will blend seamlessly into the broth, adding a depth of flavor that’s both pleasing and nutritious. Add them at the end of the cooking process to prevent them from losing their vibrant color and nutritional value.
Stir-fries
When it comes to stir-fries, mustard greens, radish greens, or upland cress can be an excellent stand-in for watercress. These substitutes will contribute a peppery flavor that complements the other ingredients in your stir-fry. Add them towards the end of your cooking time to maintain their texture and color.
Smoothies
If you’re looking for a nutrient boost in your morning smoothie, spinach can substitute watercress without overpowering other flavors. Spinach’s nutritional profile and mild flavor make it a perfect choice for green smoothies.
Grilled or Roasted Dishes
Endive and dandelion greens hold up well under high heat, making them suitable substitutes for watercress in grilled or roasted dishes. Their slight bitterness adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
Remember, the key to using these substitutes effectively is considering the cooking method and the flavors of the other ingredients in your recipe. With this guide, you’ll be able to navigate the world of watercress substitutes confidently and creatively.
💡 Tips and guidance
When using these substitutes, it’s important to consider the specific flavors of the dish you’re preparing. If your recipe requires a softer flavor, opt for milder substitutes like spinach. In contrast, if you want to maintain the peppery kick of watercress, choose substitutes like arugula or mustard greens.
Remember that the nutritional content may vary between watercress and its substitutes. Hence, if you’re following a specific diet, consider these differences.
Explore the world of culinary possibilities by combining or modifying these substitutes. You might even create a new signature dish!
Watercress might be a distinctive ingredient, but its absence shouldn’t hinder your culinary creativity. With these substitutes, you can easily replicate its unique flavor and continue creating delightful dishes.
