spinach in soup

How to Make Creamy Spinach Soup: A Simple Recipe

Creamy spinach soup, or "上汤菠菜" in Chinese, is a nutritious and comforting dish loved for its vibrant color and rich flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making it at home.

Ingredients:

500g fresh spinach, washed and trimmed; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 liter chicken or vegetable broth; 100ml heavy cream (optional); 1 tbsp olive oil; salt and pepper to taste; a pinch of nutmeg (optional).

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Avoid browning to prevent bitterness.

2. Wilt Spinach: Add spinach to the pot and stir until it wilts, about 2–3 minutes. This reduces its volume and releases flavor.

3. Simmer: Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the spinach to fully infuse the broth.

4. Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. For a thicker texture, blend in batches with a regular blender.

5. Finish: Stir in heavy cream (if using), season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Serve hot, garnished with croutons or a drizzle of cream.

This versatile soup can be customized with mushrooms or bacon for extra depth. Enjoy its creamy, earthy goodness in just 20 minutes!