This creamy spinach soup is the perfect warm hug on a chilly day! With fresh spinach, potatoes, and just a touch of cream, it’s both hearty and healthy.
Honestly, who knew spinach could be so tasty? I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping—it’s like a cozy party in a bowl! 🍞💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Use olive oil for a lighter taste, or butter for a rich flavor. You can swap these out for coconut oil if you prefer a dairy-free option!
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness. If you’re out, shallots can work as a milder alternative, or use green onions for a fresh taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances flavor greatly. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder is a quick substitute—just use about 1/4 teaspoon.
Potatoes: These give body to the soup. Yukon gold or russet potatoes are great. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, cauliflower can also work well!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is the star here, but you can use frozen spinach if you need. Just make sure it’s well-drained before adding. I’ve found that baby spinach is great too, as it has a milder taste.
Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth adds depth. If you’re vegetarian, stick with vegetable broth. Alternatively, you can use homemade broth for the best flavor.
How Do You Get a Creamy Texture Without Overcooking?
Getting that creamy texture is all about blending well without losing the nutrients! After boiling the potatoes and broth, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid hot splashes.
- Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for ease, or a regular blender (let it cool a bit first!).
- Blend until smooth, then return to heat, adding spinach and cream. Avoid boiling after adding milk to keep it smooth.
- Season towards the end for the best flavor—salt and pepper can change with cooking!
How to Make Creamy Spinach Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for warmth
- Optional garnish: a drizzle of olive oil or cream, fresh spinach leaves
Time Needed:
This creamy spinach soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. You’ll be enjoying this cozy dish in about 40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. This gives your soup a lovely foundation of flavor!
2. Add Garlic and Potatoes:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until you can smell that garlicky goodness. Then, toss in the diced potatoes, stirring them around so they get coated with the oil and onion mixture—this step helps enhance their flavor.
3. Boil and Simmer:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This is where your soup starts to come together!
4. Blend It Up:
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until it’s smooth and creamy. If you’re using a regular blender, blend the soup in batches (be sure to let it cool slightly first). Return the blended soup to the pot afterward.
5. Add Spinach:
Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and let it cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and softens. This adds a fresh burst of color and nutrients!
6. Make It Creamy:
Stir in the milk or heavy cream to give the soup that luxurious texture. Heat the soup through, but avoid boiling it at this stage to keep everything nice and creamy.
7. Season to Taste:
Don’t forget to season your soup with salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg for a warm hint of flavor. Mix it well to combine the seasonings.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, a dollop of cream, and extra fresh spinach leaves if you like! Enjoy your cozy creamy spinach soup!
FAQ for Creamy Spinach Soup
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the soup. This will help maintain the soup’s creamy texture without making it watery.
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this soup dairy-free by substituting the milk or heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or any dairy-free cream alternative. Just be mindful that coconut milk will add a distinct flavor.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?
Yes! Feel free to add in other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini. Just chop them into small pieces and sauté them along with the onion and garlic to enhance their flavors in the soup.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
