Spinach soup is a delightful dish that offers a blend of flavors and nutrients, making it an ideal choice for hearty meals. You may find yourself captivated by its vibrant green hue and the rich taste it brings, not to mention how simple it is to prepare. As the weather turns cooler or when you simply want something comforting, spinach soup stands out as a light yet satisfying option. What makes this soup even more appealing is its versatility; you can enjoy it on its own or paired with various accompaniments.
Why We Love This Spinach Soup Recipe
When it comes to soup, this spinach recipe truly shines. You can dive into the delightful experience of whipping up a pot of this nourishing blend packed with nutrients. Spinach itself is a superfood, brimming with vitamins and minerals that benefit your body and mind. It’s an easy way to add greens to your meals, especially appealing to those who may not typically gravitate towards vegetables. The addition of rice makes it filling, and the optional cream gives it a luxurious touch that enhances the overall flavor profile. You will love how comforting and satisfying this soup is for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients about Spinach Soup
To create this rich and delicious spinach soup, gather these essential ingredients ensuring you have everything at hand when you start cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 celery ribs, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 300 grams frozen spinach, thawed
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 8 cups vegetable broth (unsalted)
- 1/4 cup cream (optional)
How to Make Spinach Soup Directions
To prepare your spinach soup, begin by ensuring that your frozen spinach is completely thawed. Take a large pot, and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, throw in the finely diced onion, celery ribs, and carrots, adding in the minced garlic. You want to sauté these ingredients until they become translucent and start releasing their aromas, usually taking about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Next, add the tomato paste to your mixture, cooking it for an additional minute to enhance its flavors. After that, introduce the thawed spinach to the mix and stir well to combine everything, allowing it to cook for a few minutes just to warm through.
Now, season your mixture with salt to taste and add the rinsed jasmine rice. Make sure to give it a good stir so the rice is evenly distributed. It’s time to pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth. Bring the entire pot to a boil, which will help everything cook together beautifully.
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer. Allow it to cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. If you want to make the soup creamier, consider adding the cream in during the last few minutes of cooking. This will add richness to the soup and enhance its flavor profile.
For a unique twist inspired by Bulgarian cuisine, you can whisk an egg yolk with some milk or yogurt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix this with a ladleful of the hot soup broth, and then stir it back into your soup. This will create an exceptional depth of flavor.
How to Serve Spinach Soup
When you’re ready to serve your spinach soup, think about what toppings or sides to include. A sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper on top can add a pop of heat, and a dollop of cream swirled into each bowl makes for an inviting presentation. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, croutons or crispy bread are perfect accompaniments that add texture and crunch to each sip. Consider pairing your soup with a fresh salad or a slice of crusty bread to create a well-rounded meal.
Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main dish, the colorful presentation of the soup makes it visually appealing. Feel free to garnish it with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for an extra burst of flavor.
Expert Tips: Spinach Soup
To elevate your spinach soup, keep these expert tips in mind. First, don’t skip the sautéing step; it builds a flavor base that infuses the soup with richness. Using fresh garlic rather than pre-minced will also enhance the flavor, making it brighter and more aromatic.
If you’re looking for a vegan version, you can easily omit the cream and egg yolk. While the cream adds creaminess, the soup remains deliciously satisfying without it. Adjust the salt to your liking, and remember that homemade vegetable broth will provide the freshest flavor.
For added protein, consider incorporating cooked beans or lentils into your soup. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also makes it even more hearty. If you need the soup to last longer, cooking it in larger batches can save you time, as it freezes well too.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with various seasonings. Herbs like thyme or basil can give a delightful twist to the flavor, making each bowl unique.
How to Store Spinach Soup
Storing your delicious spinach soup is quite simple. If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. This helps maintain its freshness. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze it for approximately three months for later use.
When ready to reheat, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer and slowly warm it on the stove. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Adding a splash of vegetable broth or water while reheating can help restore its original consistency.
Variation of Spinach Soup
While the original recipe is fantastic, there are multiple ways to add variety to your spinach soup. One option is to incorporate different vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. These can be sautéed alongside the other vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
Another fun variation is to experiment with different grains or pasta. Quinoa or small pasta shapes can provide a delightful texture and make the soup even more filling. Additionally, you might consider adding spices such as cumin or coriander for a unique twist on flavor.
If you wish to give the soup a more rustic touch, consider blending it for a smooth finish or leaving it chunky for that homemade feel. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of cheese such as feta or Parmesan for added richness.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in spinach soup?
The primary ingredients of spinach soup include olive oil, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, tomato paste, thawed spinach, jasmine rice, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and optionally cream.
Is spinach soup healthy?
Yes, spinach soup is packed with nutrients from the spinach and other vegetables, making it a nutritious option that supports your overall health.
Can I make spinach soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! You can easily make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting cream. For a vegan version, simply skip the cream.
How long does spinach soup last in the fridge?
Spinach soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, ensuring that you keep it in an airtight container.
Can I freeze spinach soup?
Yes, spinach soup freezes well! You can store it in airtight containers for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Spinach Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 ribs celery, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Essentials
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 300 grams frozen spinach, thawed
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 8 cups vegetable broth (unsalted)
- 1/4 cup cream (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Ensure the frozen spinach is completely thawed.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the tomato paste to the mixture and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the thawed spinach and let it cook for a few minutes.
- Season with salt to taste and add the rinsed jasmine rice.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth, bringing the pot to a boil.
Cooking
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- For a creamier soup, add the cream during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Optional: Whisk an egg yolk with some milk or yogurt and gradually mix it into the hot soup broth for a unique flavor.
Serving
- Serve the soup hot, garnishing with freshly cracked pepper and a dollop of cream if desired.
- Accompany with croutons, crispy bread, or a fresh salad.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!