This bright and creamy spinach soup is a warm hug in a bowl. Packed with fresh spinach and blended to perfection, it’s both healthy and tasty!
On chilly days, I love pouring a big bowl and pairing it with crusty bread. It’s like a little green party for my taste buds! 🎉
What I enjoy most is how quick it is to make—just cook, blend, and serve. Perfect for when I need a warm meal without a lot of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Fresh spinach is the star here. If you don’t have fresh on hand, frozen spinach works too—just ensure it’s well-drained. I find fresh spinach gives a brighter flavor and a lovely color.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness to the soup. For a milder taste, consider using a shallot or a green onion. I often switch to shallots for their subtle flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for depth in this soup. If you’re out, garlic powder can be a quick fix; just use less, as it’s more concentrated.
Broth: Vegetable broth enhances the soup’s flavor. Chicken broth is fine too if you’re not strict about being vegetarian. Homemade broth is even better if you have some stored away.
Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk: Heavy cream creates a rich soup, while coconut milk offers a lighter, dairy-free alternative. I love using coconut milk for a hint of sweetness.
Nuts and Cheese: Nutmeg adds warmth; it’s optional but enhances the flavor well. For a cheesy kick, Parmesan is great, but nutritional yeast is a solid vegan substitute to maintain that umami taste.
How Do I Get My Spinach Soup Smooth and Creamy?
Blending the soup smoothly is crucial for the right texture. If you have an immersion blender, it’s super simple. Just blend directly in the pot!
- First, cook the soup as described in the recipe.
- Then, carefully blend it until smooth. Be cautious with hot liquids! If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches to avoid spills.
- Once blended, return the soup to heat, then stir in cream or coconut milk for that creamy finish.
Remember to adjust your seasoning after blending, as it may need a little more salt or pepper after the smooth blending process. Enjoy the velvety texture!
How to Make Spinach Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious spinach soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so in total, you’ll need about 30 minutes. It’s quick, nutritious, and perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it until it’s translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning!
2. Cook the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute. You want to wait until it’s fragrant but be careful not to let it brown.
3. Add the Spinach:
Now, it’s time to stir in the chopped spinach. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes, or until it wilts down. It will reduce a lot, so don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first!
4. Simmer the Broth:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together nicely.
5. Blend the Soup:
If you have an immersion blender, use it to blend the soup until it’s smooth. If you’re using a regular blender, carefully transfer the hot soup in batches to blend it all. Just be cautious to avoid splashes!
6. Add Cream or Coconut Milk:
After blending, pour the soup back into the pot (if needed) and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Warm it gently over low heat without bringing it to a boil.
7. Season to Taste:
At this point, season your soup with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you’re using it. Taste it and adjust the seasoning according to your preference!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. It’s best served warm, perfect for any meal!
Enjoy your creamy and nutritious spinach soup!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can use about 2 cups of frozen spinach, which is equivalent to the fresh spinach in the recipe. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup to avoid excess water that can dilute the flavor.
Can I Substitute Coconut Milk for Heavy Cream?
Yes, coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative to heavy cream! Just keep in mind that it will add a slight coconut flavor to the soup. If you’re looking for a richer texture, full-fat coconut milk is the best option.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover spinach soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until warmed through. You may want to add a little more broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?
Definitely! Consider adding vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop them small and add them with the onions in step 1, cooking until tender before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
