Cozy Up with Creamy Spinach Soup: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of creamy soup, especially when the weather turns chilly. And while many soups are laden with heavy ingredients, this Creamy Spinach Soup offers a delightful combination of rich flavor and wholesome goodness. Packed with vitamins and minerals from the spinach, this soup is a healthy and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is a family favorite, and I’m excited to share it with you!

## Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spinach Soup

* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This soup is a great way to sneak in extra greens! It is full of Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and folate, essential for overall health and wellbeing.
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Deliciously Creamy:** The creamy texture is achieved without heavy cream, keeping it relatively light and healthy (although you *can* add heavy cream if you desire a richer flavor!).
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this soup to your liking. Add different vegetables, spices, or toppings to create your own signature version. Consider adding diced potatoes or carrots to change the texture. Even a dash of nutmeg can transform the dish.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Spinach is relatively inexpensive, especially when it’s in season. The other ingredients are pantry staples, making this a very affordable meal.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Believe it or not, even picky eaters often enjoy this soup! The creamy texture and mild flavor make it appealing to children.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Creamy Spinach Soup:

* **Spinach:** Fresh spinach is best, but frozen spinach can also be used. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water.
* **Onion:** A yellow onion provides a base of flavor. You can also use shallots for a more delicate flavor.
* **Garlic:** Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic touch. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
* **Butter or Olive Oil:** Use either butter or olive oil to sauté the vegetables. Butter adds richness, while olive oil keeps the soup vegan.
* **Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth):** Vegetable broth keeps the soup vegetarian, while chicken broth adds a richer flavor.
* **Milk (or Half-and-Half or Cream):** Milk provides the creaminess without being too heavy. For a richer soup, use half-and-half or heavy cream. You can also use plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** A small amount of flour helps to thicken the soup. You can also use cornstarch (mix it with a little cold water first).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Also consider adding a pinch of nutmeg.
* **Optional Toppings:** Croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, a swirl of cream, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

**Detailed Ingredient List with Quantities:**

* 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
* 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
* 1/2 cup milk (or half-and-half or cream, or plant-based milk)
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, a swirl of cream, a dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon bits, red pepper flakes

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and creamy spinach soup:

1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. **Add the Spinach:** Add the spinach to the pot and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes for fresh spinach, or until heated through for frozen spinach. If using fresh spinach, make sure it reduces in volume significantly.
3. **Stir in the Flour:** Sprinkle the flour over the spinach mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will create a roux, which will help thicken the soup. Be sure to distribute the flour evenly and cook it slightly to avoid a floury taste.
4. **Add the Broth:** Gradually pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth), stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. **Simmer the Soup:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is important for developing the soup’s overall flavor.
6. **Blend the Soup (Optional):** For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. *Be very careful when blending hot liquids.* If using a regular blender, remove the center piece of the lid and cover the opening with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape. Skip this step if you prefer a more textured soup.
7. **Add the Milk (or Cream):** Stir in the milk (or half-and-half or cream) and heat through. Do not boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. At this point, you can also add a pinch of nutmeg for added depth of flavor.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, a swirl of cream, a dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

## Tips for the Best Creamy Spinach Soup

* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the soup will taste. Fresh spinach will always provide the best flavor, but frozen works well too.
* **Don’t Overcook the Spinach:** Overcooked spinach can become bitter. Cook it just until it’s wilted.
* **Season Generously:** Salt and pepper are key to bringing out the flavors of the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Blend Carefully:** If using a regular blender, be very careful when blending hot liquids. Follow the safety precautions outlined above.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If the soup is too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use olive oil, vegetable broth, and plant-based milk to make this soup vegan.
* **Add a Protein:** Add cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas to make this soup a more complete meal.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Experiment with different toppings to find your favorites. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat, while a dollop of sour cream adds richness and tang.

## Variations and Add-ins

This Creamy Spinach Soup is delicious as is, but it’s also easy to customize to your liking. Here are a few variations and add-ins to try:

* **Potato Spinach Soup:** Add diced potatoes to the soup for a heartier and more filling meal. Use about 1-2 cups of diced potatoes, and add them to the pot along with the broth. Cook until the potatoes are tender.
* **Cream of Mushroom Spinach Soup:** Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onion and garlic for a richer, earthier flavor. About 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms will do the trick.
* **Spicy Spinach Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a touch of heat.
* **Spinach and Artichoke Soup:** Add a can of drained and chopped artichoke hearts to the soup for a tangy and flavorful twist.
* **Cheesy Spinach Soup:** Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, or Parmesan cheese to the soup for a cheesy and delicious meal. Stir until the cheese is melted.
* **Add a swirl of pesto:** A small dollop of pesto before serving adds a brightness and fresh herb flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Spinach Soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich:** A classic combination! The warm, melty cheese pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.
* **Serve it with a crusty bread:** Perfect for dipping and soaking up all the delicious soup.
* **Serve it as a starter for a larger meal:** This soup is a light and flavorful appetizer that will whet your appetite.
* **Serve it with a salad:** A light and refreshing salad complements the richness of the soup.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to prevent it from splattering. Be sure the soup is heated thoroughly before serving.
* **Freezing:** While creamy soups can sometimes separate upon thawing, this soup freezes reasonably well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Creamy Spinach Soup Recipe

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
* 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
* 1/2 cup milk (or half-and-half or cream, or plant-based milk)
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, a swirl of cream, a dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon bits, red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the spinach to the pot and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes for fresh spinach, or until heated through for frozen spinach.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the spinach mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth), stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. *Be very careful when blending hot liquids.*
7. Stir in the milk (or half-and-half or cream) and heat through. Do not boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: 150-200 per serving
* Fat: 8-12 grams
* Protein: 5-7 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

## Conclusion

This Creamy Spinach Soup is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the goodness of spinach. It’s quick, easy, and versatile, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or a healthy snack, this soup is sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and cozy up with a warm bowl of this creamy delight! Enjoy! I would love to know how your family and you liked this dish, so please rate it in the comment section below.