Description
This creamy and comforting Cream of Spinach Soup is a quick and easy recipe that combines fresh spinach with aromatic sautéed onions and garlic, blended into a smooth and velvety texture. Enriched with milk and a touch of butter, it offers a warm, nourishing meal perfect for any day of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Fats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer texture)
Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down.
- Add broth and seasoning: Pour in the vegetable broth along with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to allow the spinach to fully cook and flavors to blend.
- Blend the soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more broth or milk as necessary.
- Add creaminess: Stir in the whole milk or heavy cream, then warm the soup over low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure it is heated through and creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve alongside crusty bread or croutons for added comfort.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, but frozen spinach can be used as a substitute; just thaw and drain well before cooking.
- Adjust the consistency by varying the amount of broth or milk you add after blending.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth, and replace milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
- Adding nutmeg enhances the flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- The Parmesan cheese garnish can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
