Creamy Spinach Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) fresh spinach leaves 1 pound (450g) fresh spinach leaves
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the fresh spinach leaves to the pot and cook until wilted.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
6. 6.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
8. 8.
   Serve the Creamy Spinach Soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves before using them in the soup to remove any dirt or grit.
• Heavy cream — For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, although it will result in a slightly less creamy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a touch of tanginess, squeeze a bit of lemon juice into the soup before serving.
• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve a handful of cooked spinach leaves and stir them into the pureed soup before serving.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices such as nutmeg or thyme to enhance the flavor profile of the soup.
• Serve the Creamy Spinach Soup with a side of crusty bread for a more substantial meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Spinach Soup in warm bowls, garnished with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of the Creamy Spinach Soup, consider serving it in individual soup bowls with a sprig of fresh parsley or a swirl of cream on top. Pair it with a slice of toasted bread for a visually appealing and appetizing presentation.