spinach soup

Spinach soup with bacon: a green, quick, and delicious recipe for days when you want to enjoy a healthy and comforting dish. This soup is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, containing all the necessary ingredients to provide a balanced meal. Moreover, it is easy to prepare, with a total cooking time of just 20 minutes. This recipe serves 4 portions and can be easily adapted to your preferences.

A brief introduction to the history of spinach soup

Spinach soup has deep roots in traditional cuisine, being a cherished dish since ancient times. Spinach, known for its nutritional benefits and essential vitamins, has been used in various cultures to create nourishing soups. This recipe combines spinach with bacon, offering a savory touch and a pleasant texture. Whether served for lunch or dinner, spinach soup is the perfect choice for a healthy and comforting meal.

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g fresh spinach
- 10 carrots
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 300 g bacon
- 3 tablespoons of rice
- 200 g sour cream
- 1 egg
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 50 ml oil
- Lemon juice, to taste

Preparation time

- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the spinach well with cold water. It is essential to rinse it to ensure it retains its vitamins and nutrients. After washing, tear the spinach leaves by hand, avoiding cutting them with a knife, as this can lead to rapid oxidation of vitamin C.

2. Cleaning the vegetables: Peel the carrots, onion, and garlic. You can grate the carrots, while the onion and garlic can be finely chopped.

3. Preparing the soup base: In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the grated carrot, chopped onion, and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

4. Adding liquid and bacon: Cut the bacon into small cubes and add it to the pot. Let it brown slightly, then pour in 3 liters of water. Season with salt and bring everything to a boil.

5. Adding the rice: When the water starts to boil, add the previously washed rice. Let it boil for about 10 minutes until the rice is cooked and the vegetables are tender.

6. Creating the creamy texture: In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the egg yolk and a little water to prevent curdling. Add this mixture to the pot, stirring constantly.

7. Finishing the soup: Finally, add the spinach to the soup and let it wilt for just a few minutes. Season with pepper and lemon juice to taste.

8. Serving: Serve the spinach soup warm, perhaps with a slice of freshly baked bread or crunchy croutons for added texture.

Practical tips

- Spinach: Always choose fresh spinach with green, healthy leaves. Frozen spinach can be used, but it will require different cooking times.
- Bacon: If you prefer a healthier option, you can omit the bacon or replace it with a soy product or tofu to keep the recipe vegetarian.
- Oil: You can use olive oil for added flavor, as well as for its health benefits.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! You can experiment with celery, zucchini, or even potatoes to enrich the soup.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a little chili pepper or chili flakes during cooking to give it a more intense flavor.
- Is this soup suitable for vegans? Yes! You can replace the bacon with mushrooms or other sources of plant-based protein and omit the sour cream or use a plant-based alternative.

Ideal combinations

Spinach soup pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or a savory tart. Additionally, for a complete meal, you can serve a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade. These combinations not only enhance the culinary experience but also add a boost of vitamins and minerals to your meal.

Nutritional benefits

This soup is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium from spinach. The bacon brings omega-3 fatty acids, while the rice completes the meal with carbohydrates that provide energy. The sour cream and egg contribute to the protein intake, making this soup a balanced and satisfying dish.

Spinach soup with bacon is not just a dish but a culinary experience that will delight your senses. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for loved ones, this recipe will surely bring smiles and moments of joy. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its delicate and comforting flavors!