Spinach Soup Recipe

Spinach is a dark green leafy vegetable, which is native to some regions of Asia. With time, the use of spinach spread to other parts of the world and it is believed that this vegetable was introduced in Europe, around the eight century CE. It is one of the most nutritious vegetables, which contains high levels of vitamins A and C, folate, calcium and iron. There are various food recipes that include spinach as an ingredient. It is mainly used for preparing soups, quiches, casseroles, burritos, sandwich and sauces.

How to Make Spinach Soup

We all know about the health benefits of green leafy vegetables, like spinach and so spinach is included in our diet, in various forms. There are various methods to prepare spinach and soups are popular among them. It can be used as a starter or a light lunch. It is always better to go for fresh spinach for best results.

Fresh Spinach Soup
This is a basic, but authentic recipe for soup with spinach. You may experiment with the ingredients and improvize this recipe. The following recipe can help you to prepare four servings.

Ingredients

• Fresh spinach leaf - 500 grams
• Shallots - 2 (sliced)
• Medium-sized potato - 1 (diced)
• Medium-sized leeks - 1 (sliced)
• Fresh thyme sprigs - 2
• Water - 4 cups
• Olive oil - as per requirement
• Salt and pepper - as per taste

How to Prepare
Take a pan with a heavy bottom and place it on medium heat. As the oil gets warm, add shallots, potato and leek and stir for a few minutes. Once the contents of the pan softens, add water and bring to a boil. The next step is to simmer it for at least thirty minutes. After that, add the spinach and cook on medium heat for another five minutes. The leaves will get dark and soft. Now, turn off the stove and let the contents cool for some time. Once the contents cool down, blend them in a food processor, so as to get a smooth consistency. Pour the mixture into the pan and heat it slightly (don't boil). The soup is ready to be served. You may either use warm croutons or grated cheese as garnishing.

Cream of Spinach Soup Recipe
This is another type of soup in which spinach is used. This soup is very rich and creamy with a smooth texture. Let us take a look at the various ingredients used to prepare this recipe and the method of preparation. The following ingredients are sufficient to prepare six to eight servings.

Ingredients

• Fresh spinach (chopped) - 2 cups
• Peeled and diced potatoes - 3 medium-sized
• Chopped onions - 1 cup
• Butter - ¼ cup
• Chicken bouillon cubes (or vegetable bouillon cubes) - 2
• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth) - 1½ cups
• Half and half - 2 cups
• Sour cream - ¾ cup
• Water - 1½ cups
• Salt - ½ teaspoon
• Pepper - ¼ teaspoon

Preparation Method
Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add butter. As the butter melts, add onion and saute for a few minutes. Then, add bullion cubes, broth, potatoes and water and bring to boil. The next step is to cook the contents on low heat for around thirty minutes. As the potatoes soften, add the chopped spinach leaves and cook for another five minutes. Now, turn off the heat and let the contents of the saucepan cool. Once the contents are cool, blend the contents in a blender. You may do this in batches. Pour the pureed contents to the saucepan and mix half and half, salt and pepper. Keep the saucepan back on the stove over low heat and boil slightly. Now, mix sour cream uniformly and turn off the heat. The soup is ready to serve.

Try these spinach soup recipes and enjoy the benefits offered by this leafy vegetable.