Spinach cream soup
Spinach Cream Soup - A healthy green delicacy
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Spinach cream soup is a dish that combines simplicity with refinement, offering an explosion of flavors and a velvety texture that delights all the senses. This recipe is not only quick and easy to make, but it also provides significant nutritional benefits due to its vitamin-rich ingredients. I invite you to explore each step of this delicious recipe with me!
Necessary ingredients:
- 1 red onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 850 ml of chicken broth (or water, if you prefer a vegetarian option)
- 200 ml of milk
- 400 g of fresh spinach leaves, well washed
- Zest of one lemon
- A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- Yogurt, for serving (optional)
Step by step to the perfect soup:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and chopping the onion and garlic. Make sure the onion is finely chopped to sauté evenly and release its aroma. Wash the spinach leaves well and roughly chop them to integrate them more easily into the soup.
2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its aroma.
3. Adding the potato: Add the diced potato to the pot and continue to sauté for one minute. The potato will not only add creaminess to the soup but will also help thicken it.
4. Boiling the soup: Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the pot and let it boil for 15 minutes until the potato is soft. This step is essential as it will create the base of your soup.
5. Adding milk and spinach: Once the potato has boiled, add the milk and let the soup come to a boil. Then, incorporate the spinach leaves and lemon zest. These flavors will give your soup a fresh and vibrant taste. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
6. Blending the soup: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. You can adjust the texture by adding more broth or water if you prefer a thinner soup.
7. Seasoning: Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to enhance the flavors. Nutmeg adds a warm note that pairs perfectly with spinach. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
8. Serving: Pour the soup into bowls and, if desired, add a spoonful of yogurt on top for extra creaminess and a pleasant contrast to the fresh flavor of the spinach. You can garnish with a few fresh spinach leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.
Useful tips:
- Basic ingredients: Use fresh spinach for a more intense flavor, but you can also opt for frozen spinach. If you choose the frozen version, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to diversify the taste. Additionally, adding feta cheese or parmesan at the end can enhance the flavor.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This soup is relatively low in calories, with approximately 150 calories per serving. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, with antioxidant properties and benefits for eye health.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can the soup be frozen? Yes, the soup can be frozen. Make sure to store it in an airtight container, and when defrosting, reheat it over low heat, adding a little milk or water to restore its creamy texture.
- What other recipes pair well with spinach cream soup? This soup pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or a cheese tart. Additionally, a slice of garlic toast can be a delicious accompaniment.
Personal note: I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who always told me that soup is the soul of the meal. Every time I prepare this spinach cream soup, I feel like I'm returning to those moments, and its wonderful aroma fills my heart with joy.
Try this simple and quick spinach cream soup recipe and enjoy every word of it! You will discover that it is more than just a meal - it is a culinary experience that combines health with taste. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 1 red onion, peeled and chopped 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced 1 tablespoon butter 1 medium potato, peeled and diced 850 ml chicken broth 200 ml milk 400 g spinach leaves, washed grated zest of lemon a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg yogurt, for serving (optional)