Blended Spinach Soup: Cooking Spinach For A Creamy Delight

Spinach soup is a nutritious and delicious meal that can be easily made at home. The soup is typically made by blending cooked spinach with other ingredients such as vegetables, broth, and dairy products. This creates a creamy and smooth soup with a vibrant green colour. The soup can be made with either fresh or frozen spinach, and the addition of ingredients such as potato or cornstarch can be used to adjust the thickness of the soup. Spinach soup can be served with crusty bread and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess and flavour.

Using fresh vs frozen spinach

Using fresh spinach vs frozen spinach in soup is a matter of preference, but there are some differences to consider. Fresh spinach is more fibrous but will cook down considerably. It is also a good option if you want to have more control over the seasoning of your soup. You can cook down fresh spinach by cutting it into small pieces and sautéing it in a non-stick pan. However, it is important to note that fresh spinach might need to be drained after cooking as it can release a lot of water.

On the other hand, frozen spinach is usually chopped, boiled or blanched, and flash-frozen, resulting in a texture that works well in soups. It is a convenient option as it is easy to use and perfect for soups. When using frozen spinach, it is important to thaw and drain it before adding it to your soup, as it will produce a lot of water. A 10 oz package of frozen spinach is equivalent to about a 1-pound bunch of fresh spinach or 1 and 1/2 cups after draining.

Both options are viable for making spinach soup, but using fresh spinach will give you more control over the seasoning and flavour, while frozen spinach is more convenient and has a texture that works well in soups. Ultimately, the decision between using fresh or frozen spinach depends on your personal preference, the desired texture, and the amount of time you want to spend preparing the soup.

How to blend hot ingredients safely

Yes, you can cook blended spinach for soup. However, blending hot ingredients can be dangerous and requires extra care to prevent burns and messes. Here are some safety tips to follow when blending hot ingredients:

• Fill the blender partially: Do not fill the blender more than halfway. Fill it only one-third to one-half full to prevent too much steam from building up. Working in batches is recommended if you have a large volume of hot ingredients.
• Vent the blender: Remove the centre piece (feeder cap) of the blender lid to allow steam to escape. This helps to prevent pressure buildup, which can cause the lid to blow off.
• Cover the blender with a kitchen towel: Place a clean kitchen towel over the blender lid, slightly larger than the lid, to contain any splatters and provide an escape route for the steam.
• Secure the lid and start blending slowly: Hold the lid securely in place with one hand, and use the other hand to start the blender on the lowest speed setting. Gradually increase the speed as needed.
• Use both hands to hold the lid: As the blender starts up, use both hands to hold the lid tightly in place. If you feel light pressure, you can carefully lift the lid slightly to release some steam and pressure.
• Consider using an immersion blender: Instead of transferring hot ingredients to a blender, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Ensure that the blades are fully submerged to prevent splatters.
• Allow hot ingredients to cool: If possible, let the ingredients cool down before blending. Stir the ingredients occasionally to speed up the cooling process.

By following these safety precautions, you can help prevent messes and reduce the risk of burns when blending hot ingredients for soup or other recipes.

Adding creaminess to the soup

Yes, you can cook blended spinach to make soup. Here are some tips for adding creaminess to your blended spinach soup:

Adding Dairy

One of the easiest ways to make your soup creamier is to add dairy products such as cream, milk, sour cream, or yogurt. You can also add dairy at the end of cooking for extra creaminess, such as a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.

Using Starches

Starches are another great way to thicken your soup and give it a creamy texture. You can use cornstarch, flour, or other thickeners by whisking a few tablespoons into your broth before adding it to your soup. This prevents clumping and helps the starch dissolve evenly. You can also add potatoes to your soup, which will add significant body and creaminess.

Blending Techniques

Another way to add creaminess without adding any extra ingredients is to blend a cup or two of your soup with a stick blender or food processor. This will give your soup a little extra body while still keeping the chunky texture of the rest of the batch.

Nuts and Bread

An interesting way to add creaminess to your soup is to use ground nuts, such as cashews, which were historically one of the first thickeners used for soups. You can also add stale bread to your soup by tearing it into pieces, letting it soak in the hot soup, and then pureeing it and stirring it back into the pot.

Coconut Milk

For a dairy-free option, coconut milk is a great way to add creaminess to your soup without drastically changing the flavor. Just a quarter of a cup or so will do the trick, but you can add more if you want a subtle coconut flavor.

Beurre Manié

If you want to get fancy, you can make a beurre manié by kneading equal parts butter and flour into a thick paste, then whisking it into your soup until it dissolves. This will thicken your soup in a similar way to a roux.

Making the soup vegan

Ingredients:

You will need the following ingredients to make a vegan spinach soup:

• Fresh spinach leaves: These leaves add a vibrant green color and essential nutrients to the soup.
• Onion and garlic: These ingredients add depth of flavor that complements the freshness of the spinach.
• Potatoes: Potatoes are the key to a creamy texture without the need for dairy products. They also help reduce cooking time when diced into small, even pieces.
• Vegetable broth or stock: This will add flavor to the soup and help cook the potatoes.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Optional ingredients: You can also add nutmeg, lemon juice, or chili flakes to enhance the flavor and add a bit of heat.

Instructions:

• Start by cleaning and chopping the fresh spinach leaves, peeling and finely chopping the onion and garlic, and peeling and dicing the potatoes into small pieces.
• Heat olive oil in a large pan or stockpot over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, spreading them evenly in the pan and stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
• Once the onion is tender but still white, add the fresh spinach leaves and stir until they wilt.
• Add the vegetable broth and diced potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are tender, which should take around 15-20 minutes.
• Use a hand blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
• Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like nutmeg, lemon juice, or chili flakes if desired.
• Serve the soup hot or cold. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips:

• For a sweeter version, replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes.
• To increase protein content, add tofu cubes along with the spinach.
• For a refreshing twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest.
• Serve the soup as a light main course or an appetizer, pairing it with various salads or vegan entrées.
• For a crunch, add garnishes like croutons, breadsticks, crispy tofu, or vegetable chips.

Serving suggestions

Blended spinach soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup and make it a satisfying meal:

Crusty Bread

A loaf of crusty, seeded whole-grain bread is a perfect accompaniment to spinach soup. The crunchy texture and nutty flavour of the bread complement the creamy soup, making it a satisfying meal. Dip the bread into the soup for a hearty bite or use it to mop up the last bits of soup in your bowl.

Dairy Toppings

Enhance the flavour and creaminess of your soup by adding a dollop of dairy on top. Sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or crème fraîche can provide a tangy contrast to the earthy spinach. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some double cream over the soup just before serving. These additions not only taste great but also add a visually appealing element to your dish.

Protein

For a more substantial meal, consider adding some protein to your soup. Cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu cubes can be mixed into the soup to boost its nutritional profile. Alternatively, serve the soup with lighter proteins such as sautéed or grilled fish, chicken, or pork on the side. This makes it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Spices and Herbs

Customise the flavour of your soup by adding various spices and herbs. Paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, dill, parsley, or cilantro can be used to give your soup a fresh and vibrant kick. For those who enjoy spice, a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños can take your soup up a notch.

Salty Cheese

Take a cue from Bulgarian cuisine and serve your spinach soup with crumbled Bulgarian feta cheese on top. The salty and creamy cheese adds a delicious contrast to the soup and makes for an authentic and indulgent experience.

These serving suggestions offer a range of options to elevate your blended spinach soup. Whether you're looking for a simple side or a hearty meal, these ideas will surely make your soup a delightful and nourishing experience.

Frequently asked questions