Creamy spinach soup with mushrooms

Spinach and Mushroom Cream Soup

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

On a chilly day, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm and creamy cream soup. This spinach and mushroom cream soup is not only a healthy choice but also an explosion of flavors that will warm your soul. Besides being delicious, the recipe is simple and quick, perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends.

History and Inspiration

Spinach soup is a staple in many cultures' cuisines, often associated with a healthy and balanced diet. Rich in nutrients, spinach has been appreciated for centuries, and mushrooms perfectly complement its flavor, adding a touch of umami. This recipe combines tradition with modernity, resulting in a cream soup that can be adapted in countless ways.

Your Basic Ingredients

- 100 g fresh (or frozen) mushrooms
- 100 g frozen spinach
- 1 large potato
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot (optional)
- 100 g cream or whipping cream (12%)
- 1 cube of soup concentrate
- Grated cheese (preferably Parmesan or Comté)
- A little butter

Ingredient Tips

- Mushrooms: You can use any type of mushrooms you prefer, but fresh ones provide a more intense flavor. If you choose frozen mushrooms, be sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
- Spinach: Frozen spinach is an excellent choice, but you can also use fresh spinach. If using fresh spinach, make sure to wash it well and blanch it quickly before adding it to the soup.
- Cheese: Choose a quality cheese, such as Parmesan or Comté, to add a rich and savory flavor to the soup.

Preparing the Soup

1. Cleaning and Chopping the Vegetables: Start by cleaning the potato, onion, and carrot. Cut them into large pieces for even cooking.

2. Boiling the Vegetables: Place the chopped vegetables in a large pot and add 1-1.5 liters of water. Add the soup concentrate cube to enhance the flavor. Boil over medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.

3. Adding the Spinach: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the thawed spinach and let it cook for another 5 minutes to heat through.

4. Blending the Soup: Remove the pot from the heat and use a blender to puree the ingredients until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender, being careful to leave some space in the lid to avoid splattering.

5. Adding the Cream: Put the pot back on the heat and add the cream or whipping cream, stirring well. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

6. Preparing the Mushrooms: In a separate pan, add a little butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms until they are golden and tender. This step will add extra flavor to the soup.

7. Finishing the Soup: Once the soup has started to boil again, add the sautéed mushrooms. Stir and turn off the heat.

8. Serving: Serve the cream soup warm, sprinkled with grated cheese on top. For an extra flavor boost, you can add croutons or toasted pumpkin seeds.

Tips and Variations

- Vegetable Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to enrich the soup.
- Spices: Along with the spinach, you can add spices like nutmeg or white pepper for a more complex flavor.
- Serving: This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted bread or flavored croutons.

Nutritional Benefits

This cream soup is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the spinach and vegetables. Spinach is rich in iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, and antioxidants, while mushrooms provide protein and fiber. The cream adds a creamy texture but can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of vegetables? Yes, you can experiment with your favorite vegetables.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a little chili pepper or chili flakes during cooking for a spicy kick.
- Can the soup be frozen? Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to maintain the creamy texture.

This spinach and mushroom cream soup is not just a delicious dish but also a way to indulge your taste buds and bring a touch of health to your plate. Enjoy your meal!