15-Minutes Creamy Spinach Soup Recipe – A Delight

Immerse your senses in the luscious world of green with our creamy spinach soup.

Each spoonful promises an enchanting blend of bold flavors and nourishing nutrients that make your taste buds dance.

A warm, velvety whisper of earthy spinach and rich creaminess wraps your palate in a delectable comfort.

This soup stands as a testament to simplicity and elegance in the kitchen, an ideal choice for a quick weekday dinner or a sophisticated dinner party starter.

Served with a crusty bread slice, the harmony between crunchiness and smooth texture elevates the entire dining experience.

 With each step of our easy-to-follow recipe, you’re closer to unlocking a new dimension of culinary delight. Harness the power of leafy greens, and get ready to dazzle your dining table with a bowl of soothing, creamy spinach soup.

What Is A Creamy Spinach Soup?

Creamy spinach soup is a comforting, nutrient-rich dish made by sautéing onions and garlic, adding fresh spinach leaves, and then puréeing them for a smooth texture. A blend of cream or milk is incorporated to add a luscious creamy consistency. 

Seasonings like salt, pepper, and nutmeg offer a beautiful balance of flavors. A splash of lemon juice gives the soup a tangy kick, brightening the earthy spinach.

Serve hot with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of cheese alongside a crusty bread slice for a complete meal.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

The creamy spinach soup recipe is quite versatile and can be modified to suit various dietary preferences:

• Keto Use full-fat cream or cheese to keep the fat content high and ensure the broth is carb-free.
• Paleo Replace dairy cream with full-fat coconut or almond milk, and use ghee instead of butter for sautéing.
• Gluten-Free This soup is naturally gluten-free. However, ensure the broth is gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten.
• Whole30 Use Whole30-compliant broth and full-fat coconut milk instead of dairy cream.
• Vegetarian The basic recipe is vegetarian-friendly. For an added protein boost, consider adding cooked lentils or chickpeas.
• Vegan Replace the dairy cream with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut milk, and use oil or vegan butter for sautéing.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

• Add a dash of nutmeg for a warming spice. 
• Blend in some roasted red peppers or tomatoes for a tangy twist. 
• For a Thai spin, incorporate coconut milk and red curry paste.

Add-Ons

• Enhance the protein content by adding cooked chicken, tofu, or lentils. 
• For a chunkier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or mushrooms before simmering.

Toppings

• Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt dollop for an extra tangy creaminess. 
• Sprinkle it with toasted nuts or seeds for a crunchy contrast. 
• Fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil add color and fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crusty bread roll for dipping or a side salad for a light, complete meal. 
• Pair it with a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc that complements the soup’s creamy richness for an elegant touch.

Can I Make Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Both slow cookers and Instant Pots can be great tools for making creamy spinach soup. Here’s how:

Slow Cooker

• Add spinach, water, bouillon, onion, and garlic powder to the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low for about 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours or until the spinach is tender.
• In a small saucepan, melt the butter, whisk in the flour, and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly stir in the half-and-half until smooth.
• Stir this mixture into the spinach in the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 15-30 minutes until thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Instant Pot

• Use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to sauté the onion with a bit of oil or butter until translucent, then add garlic powder and stir until fragrant.
• Add spinach, water, and bouillon to the pot. Close the lid and set the valve to the “sealing” position.
• Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
• Use the sauté function again to prepare the butter, flour, and half-and-half mixture as per the original recipe. Stir this into the soup, simmering until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Can I Use Store-Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

You can use store-bought broth for making creamy spinach soup. It’s a great time-saver and is readily available in most supermarkets. When choosing a store-bought broth, opt for a low-sodium or no-sodium version so you can control the salt content of your soup better.

If you have the time and ingredients, homemade broth can be a fantastic option. It allows you to control the flavors and ingredients in your soup fully, and it’s often richer and more flavorful than most store-bought versions. Homemade broth can also be frozen in small portions and used as needed for soups, stews, and other dishes.

How To Serve?

Serving the creamy spinach soup at its best involves a few simple steps:

• Correct Temperature: Serve the soup hot. If it has cooled down, gently reheat it on the stove before serving.
• Presentation: Ladle the soup into a clean, warm bowl. This ensures that the soup stays hot for longer.
• Garnish: Add a swirl of cream, a sprinkling of fresh herbs, or some crumbled feta cheese on top before serving for an appealing look and added flavor.
• Accompaniments: Pair the soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Individual Bowls: Serve the soup in individual bowls for a personal touch. It also allows you to customize the garnishes according to each person’s preference.
• Soup Tureen: Consider using a soup tureen if serving to a group. This keeps the soup hot and adds a touch of elegance to your table.
• Pairing: Consider the soup’s pairing with the rest of the meal. If serving as a starter, pair it with a lighter main course. If it’s the main dish, accompany it with lighter sides.
• Drink Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, refreshing beer can complement the creamy, savory flavors of the soup.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The richness of the cheese and the crispy, toasted bread makes a perfect counterpoint to the creamy soup.
• Caesar Salad: The tangy, crisp Caesar salad can balance out the soup’s creaminess, providing a delightful contrast.
• Garlic Bread: It’s hard to beat the classic soup and bread combination. Garlic bread, with its robust flavor, pairs wonderfully with spinach soup.
• Bruschetta: The fresh tomatoes and basil on a crunchy bread add a light, refreshing touch that complements the rich soup.
• Quinoa Salad: Try a quinoa salad mixed with veggies for a healthier side. This high-protein grain adds a nutritious boost to your meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of simple roasted vegetables can add a touch of sweetness and earthiness to the meal, pairing well with the soup.
• As a First Course: If you’re having a multi-course meal, this soup is an excellent first course, preparing the palate for the main dish.
• Caprese Skewers: Mini skewers with mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil are a fun, light side that complements the soup.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Make ahead: Prepare the soup base and store it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
• Use airtight containers: Store the creamy spinach soup in airtight containers to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted flavors or odors.
• Reheat gently: When reheating the soup, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating or curdling.
• Freeze in batches: If making a large batch, freeze the soup in smaller portions for convenient reheating and serving later.
• Garnish upon serving: Add fresh garnishes, such as a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, just before serving to enhance the flavors and presentation.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

If you have leftover creamy spinach soup, there are several creative ways to repurpose it:

• Pasta Sauce: You can use it as a rich and creamy sauce. Heat it up, toss it with cooked pasta, and add some grated cheese.
• The base for Risotto: Use the leftover soup as a flavorful base for a spinach risotto. Replace some of the stock with the soup when cooking the rice.
• Vegetable Gratin: Pour the soup over sliced potatoes or other veggies in a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until bubbly for a tasty gratin.
• Bread Dip: Warm up the soup and serve it as a dip for crusty bread or breadsticks.
• Baked Eggs: Make indentations in the warmed soup, crack eggs, and bake until the eggs are set for a delicious and unique breakfast or brunch dish.
• Frittata: Add the soup to beaten eggs, pour the mixture into a skillet, and bake until set to create a spinach frittata.
• Grain Bowls: Drizzle the soup over cooked grains like rice or quinoa, and add some roasted veggies and protein for a balanced meal.

TIPS

• Fresh Spinach: Opt for fresh spinach over frozen for better flavor and texture in your soup.
• Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onions and garlic until golden brown before adding spinach to enhance depth of flavor.
• Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking spinach to retain its vibrant green color and nutrients.
• Cream Addition: Add cream gradually to control consistency, ensuring it’s creamy but not overly thick.
• Blend Well: Use a blender or immersion blender to achieve a smooth and velvety texture.
• Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.

Nutrition Table