Spinach cream soup

Spinach cream soup: a delicious blend of flavors, health, and comfort

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the delicious world of spinach cream soup! This recipe is not just a simple soup, but a reunion with health, warmth, and the joy of cooking. Spinach cream soup is a versatile dish, perfect for a light dinner or a comforting lunch. Get ready to enjoy a delicious meal, full of nutrients!

Brief history of the recipe

Spinach cream soup has deep roots in culinary traditions, being appreciated in various cultures for its velvety texture and fresh taste. Spinach is a plant with a fascinating history, used since ancient times for its nutritional properties. This soup will not only delight your taste buds but also provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

Your ingredients

1. 1 red onion, peeled and finely chopped
2. 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
3. 1 tablespoon of butter (for a rich taste)
4. 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
5. 850 ml chicken broth (make sure it's of good quality)
6. 200 ml milk (for creaminess)
7. 400 g spinach leaves, well washed
8. Zest of one lemon (adds a touch of freshness)
9. A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (for a subtle flavor)
10. Yogurt, for serving (optional but recommended)

Step by step: How to prepare the perfect spinach cream soup

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by chopping the onion and garlic. I recommend using a red onion for added sweetness and color. Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand so you don't waste time during cooking.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, add the tablespoon of butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This is the base of your soup, so don't skip this step!

3. Add the potato: Once the onion and garlic are sautéed, add the diced potato. Sauté for one minute, stirring well to combine it with the flavors in the pot.

4. Pour in the broth: Carefully add the chicken broth to the pot. This will give your soup a rich and consistent flavor. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, during which the potato will soften.

5. Add the milk and spinach: After 15 minutes, pour in the milk and bring everything to a boil. When the soup starts to boil, add the spinach leaves and lemon zest. This step is essential to add a touch of freshness to your soup. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for another 15 minutes.

6. Blend the soup: After the spinach has wilted, take the pot off the heat and let the soup cool slightly. Then, use a blender to puree everything until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. If you don't have a blender, you can use an immersion mixer – it will work just as well!

7. Season the soup: Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to the pureed soup. This will add a subtle yet delicious flavor. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

8. Serving: Serve the spinach cream soup warm, with a spoonful of yogurt on top for added creaminess and a contrast of temperature. You can garnish with a few fresh spinach leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.

Practical tips for a perfect result

- Choose fresh spinach: Buy fresh, green spinach leaves without spots. Frozen spinach can be used, but it has a different texture.
- Fresh nutmeg: Use freshly grated nutmeg for a more intense flavor. It adds an aromatic note that enriches the soup.
- Customize: You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to diversify the flavors. Additionally, you can replace the milk with cream for an even richer soup.
- Vegan option: For a vegan version, you can replace the butter with olive oil and the milk with almond or soy milk.

Frequently asked questions

- How can I store the spinach soup? The soup can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

- Can I freeze the soup? Yes, spinach cream soup can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before putting it in containers for freezing. It can be kept for up to 3 months.

- What can I serve with the soup? This soup pairs perfectly with croutons, toasted bread, or a fresh green salad. You can also accompany it with a glass of dry white wine, which will complement the delicate flavors of the spinach.

Nutritional benefits

Spinach cream soup is a healthy and nutritious choice, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants. Spinach is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and for supporting bone and immune system health. Additionally, the combination of milk and yogurt provides a calcium boost, essential for bone health.

Now that you have all the details to prepare a delicious spinach cream soup, all that's left is to get cooking! I promise the result will meet your expectations. Enjoy every spoonful and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen!