Bring a vibrant shade of green to your lunch or dinner with this simple and fresh Spinach Soup.
Soups are one of my favorite things to make! They are warm and cozy and remind me of a peaceful day in, snuggled up at home. I like to heat a large pan with a splash of olive oil, sauté all my seasonings, add veggies and stock, let the soup simmer, and then blend the ingredients together. Soups are also the perfect dish when it comes to quick and easy cleanup. It’s literally a one-pan hit!
I also love that soups are so easy to store and keep on hand throughout the week for whenever you need a quick bite or don’t have the time to whip up something more elaborate. They are simple yet full of flavor and pair great with salads and breads (my other two favorite foods). They come in all different colors and tastes, and they can be adapted in so many ways. You can add in a handful of greens or play around with herbs and spices. You can also enjoy them hot or cold, but my favorite soups are hot, creamy, and blended. However, I will never say no to some pastina or tortilla soup done right!
The spinach in this dish provides a fresh, earthy taste, while the rich flavor comes from the sautéed onions and garlic. It’s a light soup that can be enjoyed on a cool or warm day.
Is This Spinach Soup Healthy?
Made with simple ingredients, this healthy soup is fully plant-based and packed with nutrients. If you have time, try making your stock from scratch. Homemade vegetable stocks are not only tastier, but can also be adapted to your specific needs. No stress if time isn’t on your side—there are plenty of store-bought options to choose from. Pacific Foods has an organic vegetable broth and also makes a bone broth (if you’re not vegan or vegetarian). Bone broth contains nutrients such as collagen, electrolytes, and various amino acids.
Enhance your soup
Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s basic and allows for so many healthy ways to build on it. My first suggestion when making soup is to add coconut milk or cream because it gives such a decadent and rich taste, all while being lactose-free. You can also add in extra greens like Swiss chard or kale, giving your soup an earthy flair. A wide variety of spices will work well in this soup. Cumin, nutmeg, and smoked paprika powder all go great and can be added to the sautéed onions and garlic. Chili flakes, fresh lemon zest and juice also make great additions and lovely garnishes.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Sauté
Cook onion and garlic in olive oil.
Simmer
Add broth and spinach, cook until wilted.
Blend
Blend the soup until smooth, season, and serve.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container or mason jar. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to serve the soup, reheat it gently on the stove.
If you wish to add cream or a dairy-free alternative like the canned coconut cream or milk suggested above, do so toward the end of the cooking time. This ensures that the soup maintains its creamy texture without any risk of separation.
Follow the instructions closely to ensure that the onions and garlic are properly sautéed to enhance their sweetness and add depth to the soup. If your onions and garlic are undercooked, it will affect the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is great on its own. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, flaky sea salt, and fresh herbs like parsley or oregano. You can also grate in some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor, or keep it fully plant-based and opt for vegan Parmesan.
As mentioned, soup pairs well with freshly baked or toasted bread for dipping. You can also add in some white beans or garbanzo beans for extra plant-based protein, or shredded chicken if you aren’t vegan or vegetarian. And since it’s such a healthy dish, you have room to indulge in dessert. Try these Crispy No-Bake Almond Joy Bars or these Paleo Magic Cookie Bars that are refined-sugar-free.
Spinach Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pound fresh spinach washed and roughly chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
-
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
-
Add the fresh spinach to the pot and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
-
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
-
Return the blended soup to the pot, reheat if necessary, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve hot.
Nutrition
The post Spinach Soup Recipe appeared first on Food Faith Fitness.
