Watercress Velouté and Ham Tuile Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 large bunch watercress, washed and roughly chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 thin slices of prosciutto ham

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Add the flour and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
3. Add the chicken broth and stir until there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Add the chopped watercress to the pot and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. (You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender.)
6. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Keep the soup warm until ready to serve.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Lay the prosciutto slices on the lined baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the prosciutto is crispy.
9. Remove the prosciutto from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Break each slice into 2-3 pieces to create the tuiles.
10. To serve, ladle the warm velouté into bowls and top each with a few pieces of the prosciutto tuile.

Verdict and Serving Suggestions:

This watercress velouté and ham tuile recipe is perfect for a light lunch or as a starter for a dinner party. The watercress adds a fresh and slightly peppery flavor to the creamy soup, while the crispy prosciutto tuile adds a nice savory crunch. Serve with crusty bread and a simple green salad for a satisfying meal.