Spring Spinach Soup
Highlighted under: Fresh Kitchen
I absolutely love making Spring Spinach Soup when the weather starts to warm up. There’s something so vibrant and refreshing about blending fresh spinach with simple, wholesome ingredients. As the flavors meld together, the soup transforms into a delicious green potion that brightens up any meal. It’s the perfect blend of creaminess and earthiness, making it a delightful starter or a light main dish. Plus, it only takes a short amount of time to prepare! You’ll find it’s a fantastic way to use up seasonal greens.
When I first made Spring Spinach Soup, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create such a delightful dish. I started with fresh spinach, garlic, and onion, sautéing them until fragrant and vibrant. The secret is to blend the vegetables with vegetable broth to capture all the flavors, then finish with a splash of cream for richness. Each spoonful is a burst of spring goodness!
One of my favorite tips is to use fresh herbs like dill or basil to elevate the soup even further. I often toss in a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for an added zing. Not only does this soup taste amazing, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a nourishing choice for lunch or dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright, fresh flavors that celebrate springtime
- Creamy texture that is both comforting and healthful
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Understanding the Ingredients
The star of Spring Spinach Soup is undeniably the fresh spinach. Using young, tender leaves enhances the soup's vibrant color and fresh flavor. When selecting spinach, look for leaves that are bright green and free of blemishes. For a more nutrient-dense option, consider organic spinach, as it's often grown without pesticides, making it a healthier choice for you and the environment.
In addition to the spinach, the vegetable broth plays a critical role in this recipe. A good quality broth provides depth and richness to the soup, complementing the spinach without overpowering its flavor. For a lighter option, you can use reduced-sodium broth, allowing you to better control the overall seasoning. If you're in a pinch, homemade broth is always preferable, but store-bought options can work just fine.
Blending Techniques
When it comes time to blend the soup, you have a couple of options. Transferring the hot mixture to a blender can yield a silky-smooth texture, but be cautious because hot liquids can splatter. To avoid burns, fill the blender no more than halfway and use a kitchen towel to hold the lid securely while blending. Alternatively, an immersion blender allows you to purée the soup directly in the pot, which minimizes mess and cleanup.
After blending, make sure to return the soup to the pot to heat it gently before serving. This step is crucial as it helps incorporate any additional seasonings or cream fully. If the soup is too thick for your liking, feel free to add extra vegetable broth, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Ingredients
Gather these simple, fresh ingredients to create your Spring Spinach Soup:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a vibrant and tasty soup that embodies the essence of spring.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to whip up your Spring Spinach Soup:
Sauté the aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add spinach and broth
Add the chopped spinach to the pot, stirring until wilted. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes.
Blend the soup
Carefully transfer the soup mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for ease.
Finish and serve
Return the blended soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently before serving, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Serve your Spring Spinach Soup warm, perhaps with crusty bread or a light salad on the side.
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of nutmeg before serving. This soup can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, and it reheats beautifully!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Spring Spinach Soup is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, and then transfer it to an airtight container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
When reheating, you might want to add a splash more vegetable broth or cream to restore its original texture. Heat over low to medium heat to prevent scorching, stirring occasionally until it's warmed through.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
To elevate your Spring Spinach Soup, consider serving it with a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese atop each bowl for an added creaminess. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can give a beautiful burst of flavor, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish. Pair the soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
For a fun twist on the classic recipe, try adding other seasonal vegetables like asparagus or peas for added texture and color. Simply sauté them along with the onions and garlic until just tender before adding the spinach, creating a more varied flavor profile that still highlights the star ingredient.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding it to the recipe.
→ Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a delicious dairy-free option.
→ How can I store leftover soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove top before serving.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Spring Spinach Soup
I absolutely love making Spring Spinach Soup when the weather starts to warm up. There’s something so vibrant and refreshing about blending fresh spinach with simple, wholesome ingredients. As the flavors meld together, the soup transforms into a delicious green potion that brightens up any meal. It’s the perfect blend of creaminess and earthiness, making it a delightful starter or a light main dish. Plus, it only takes a short amount of time to prepare! You’ll find it’s a fantastic way to use up seasonal greens.
Created by: Maribel Hawthorne
Recipe Type: Fresh Kitchen
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the chopped spinach to the pot, stirring until wilted. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes.
Carefully transfer the soup mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for ease.
Return the blended soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently before serving, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of nutmeg before serving. This soup can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, and it reheats beautifully!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g