Dive into a velvety embrace with our Cream of Herb Soup Recipe. A luscious blend of garden-fresh herbs is artfully folded into a sumptuous, creamy broth, creating a tapestry of flavors that dance on the palate. Subtle hints of thyme, rosemary, and basil serenade your senses, evoking memories of dew-kissed mornings. With every spoonful, experience a luxurious journey through an aromatic herb garden, where elegance meets pure, soulful comfort.
Dive into a world of flavors. Every spoonful transports you. Fresh herbs, hand-picked and finely blended, create magic. Their essence warms your soul. The creaminess caresses your palate. It’s more than just soup; it’s an experience.
Imagine lush gardens, sun-kissed mornings, and nature’s best gifts. This soup embodies them all. Perfect for every season, it revives in summer and comforts in winter. Crafted for the discerning, loved by all. Discover the art of impeccable taste.
Welcome to the culinary symphony of Cream of Herb Soup. Join the journey. Dive in. Taste the magic.
What Is Cream Of Herb Soup?
Cream of Herb Soup is a velvety blend of aromatic herbs and rich cream. This soup combines the distinct flavors of herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme with the smoothness of fresh cream. The result is a sumptuous, flavorful delight that warms the soul.
Ideal for both cozy winter nights and refreshing summer lunches, this soup stands out for its exquisite taste and texture. Dive into a bowl and experience a symphony of nature’s finest ingredients.
Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?
- Swap the herbs Try basil, tarragon, or chervil instead of parsley.
- Add vegetables Incorporate carrots, celery, or zucchini for depth.
- Experiment with spices Introduce nutmeg, cumin, or paprika.
- Include proteins Stir in cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
- Opt for different creams Use coconut milk, almond milk, or yogurt for varied textures.
- Garnish differently Top with croutons, roasted nuts, or fresh herbs.
- Adjust the broth Use vegetable, chicken, or beef for distinct flavors.
Recipe Directions
- In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter. Saute onions until tender (10 mins).
- Add spinach, basil, and parsley. Cover and simmer for 10 mins.
- Add broth and sugar; simmer covered (30 mins).
- On low heat, stir in cream.
- In another pan, mix 2 tbsp butter and flour. Whisk in some soup until smooth.
- Slowly add the mixture to the soup, stirring constantly. Bring to a slight boil, then remove.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Vegan Delight: Use almond or coconut milk instead of cream and plant-based margarine.
- Tuscan Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and roasted garlic for an Italian flair.
Add-Ons
- Protein Boost: Introduce grilled chicken pieces or tofu cubes for added substance.
- Root Magic: Roasted root vegetables like parsnips or carrots deepen the flavor.
- Grain Gain: Quinoa or barley can make the soup heartier.
Toppings
- Crunch Factor: Toasted croutons or roasted nuts add a delightful crunch.
- Cheese Please: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or feta enhances richness.
- Green Sprinkle: Fresh microgreens or herb sprigs for garnish.
Can I Make Cream Of Herb Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Slow Cooker
- After sautéing onions and herbs in a separate pan, transfer them to the slow cooker.
- Add broth and sugar, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Stir in cream during the last 30 minutes. Finally, whisk in the butter-flour mixture until thickened.
Instant Pot
- Use the sauté function for the onions and herbs.
- Add broth and sugar, then seal and pressure cook for 15 minutes. Release pressure naturally.
- Turn back to sauté mode. Stir in cream, then the butter-flour mixture until the desired thickness.
Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?
Store-Bought Broth
- Convenience: Perfect for quick meals without the fuss of preparing from scratch.
- Consistency: Offers a stable flavor and quality every time.
- Variety: Available in low-sodium, organic, and different flavor profiles.
Homemade Broth
- Flavor Control: Customize according to your taste, making it rich or subtle.
- No Preservatives: Natural, free from additives or excess sodium often found in commercial broths.
- Cost-Effective: Utilize kitchen scraps, like vegetable peels and chicken bones.
How To Serve ?
- Temperature: Serve hot, ensuring it’s warmed to just below boiling – retaining flavor without risking curdling.
- Bowls: Use warmed bowls to keep the soup hot for longer.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh herbs, croutons, or a drizzle of herb-infused oil for a visual and taste contrast.
- Accompaniments: Offer crusty bread, artisanal crackers, or a side salad for a complete experience.
- Texture Contrast: A dollop of crème fraîche or a few toasted nuts can enhance the soup’s creaminess.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or sourdough, ideal for soaking up the creamy goodness.
- Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert pair perfectly with the soup’s herbal notes.
- Salads: A light, citrusy arugula or beet salad adds a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Root vegetables, roasted to caramelized perfection, balance the soup’s creaminess.
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: A lightly seasoned protein can turn the meal heartier.
- Quiche: A slice of vegetable or cheese quiche complements the soup’s rich flavors.
Storage And Make Ahead
- Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base and chop fresh herbs in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Cool the soup base and herbs completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup base gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add chopped herbs just before serving to maintain their freshness and flavor.
- Cream Addition: Add cream or milk just before serving to prevent it from curdling during storage.
- Garnish Fresh: Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs upon serving for an extra burst of flavor and aroma.
What Can We Do With Leftovers?
- Pasta Sauce: Thinly coat pasta for a creamy herb-infused dish.
- Risotto Base: Add to risotto for added flavor depth and creaminess.
- Chicken Casserole: Use as a base sauce for a rich, herbaceous casserole.
- Bread Dip: Pair with crusty bread as a tasty dip for starters.
- Vegetable Pot Pie Filling: Add some veggies and protein, and top with pastry.
- Gravy: Thicken with flour and serve over grilled meats.
- Omelet Enhancer: Mix with eggs for a herby omelet.
TIPS
- Herb Selection: Choose a variety of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives for a flavorful blend.
- Aromatics Base: Start with sautéed onions and garlic to build a savory foundation for the soup.
- Creamy Texture: Use a combination of broth and cream to achieve a velvety smooth consistency.
- Herb Infusion: Simmer the soup with herbs to infuse their flavors throughout.
- Garnish Elegance: Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for added richness and visual appeal.
Enjoyable Cream Of Herb Soup – Fusion Of Flavors
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalA velvety blend of fresh herbs enveloped in a creamy base, the Cream of Herb Soup offers a symphony of flavors, warming the soul with every spoonful.
Ingredients
3 Tablespoons 3 Margarine
1 Cup 1 Green Onions (Chopped)
1 Cup 1 Spinach (Chopped)
1/2 Cup 1/2 Fresh Basil (Chopped)
1/2 Cup 1/2 Parsley (Chopped)
5 Cup 5 Chicken Broth
1 Teaspoon 1 White Sugar
1 Cup 1 Heavy Whipping Cream
Salt (To Taste)
Ground Black Pepper (To Taste)
2 Tablespoons 2 Margarine (Softened)
2 Tablespoons 2 All-Purpose Flour
Step-By-Step DirectionsÂ
- Preparation Steps
Gather fresh ingredients. Ensure your herbs are washed and finely chopped and the onions are diced. - Cooking
Start by taking a large saucepan. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, letting them sauté until they’re soft and translucent, which should take around 10 minutes.
Introduce the spinach, basil (or watercress if you prefer), and parsley to the saucepan. Cover it with a lid and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the herbs to release their flavors. - Blending
Incorporate the chicken broth and sugar, mixing them well. Cover your saucepan again and let it simmer for 30 minutes, infusing the flavors.
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream. - Final Touches
Blend 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine with the flour in a smaller pan. This mixture will thicken the soup.
Carefully whisk a small portion of the hot soup into this mixture, ensuring it’s smooth and lump-free.
Gradually pour this thickened mixture back into the main soup, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps from forming.
Bring the combined soup to a boil, but remove it from the heat source as soon as it starts boiling. - Serving
Taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve it hot, garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs or croutons if desired. - EQUIPMENT LIST
- Heavy-Bottomed Pot
- Immersion Blender
- Standard Blender
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Airtight Containers
- Whisk
- Measuring Spoons & Cups
Notes
- Always use fresh herbs when possible for a brighter and more pronounced flavor.
- If the soup feels too thick, you can adjust the consistency with broth or water.
- For an added layer of depth, consider roasting the green onions before adding them to the soup.
- Dairy alternatives can be used for a lactose-free or vegan version.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes can be introduced for a spicier kick.
- This soup is an excellent base; feel free to introduce proteins like chicken or shrimp.