If you are searching for a comforting yet nourishing dish, this Healthy Spinach Soup Recipe is a wonderful choice that combines vibrant green spinach with creamy textures and just the right hint of zest from jalapeno. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the wholesome goodness of fresh spinach in a warm, silky soup that feels indulgent but is truly good for you. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly afternoon or aiming to add more greens to your diet, this recipe offers a delightful, flavorful experience that feels both fresh and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Healthy Spinach Soup Recipe are simple and straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness. From fresh spinach leaves that bring the vibrant green color and fresh taste, to the cream cheese that adds velvety creaminess, every item contributes something special.
- Fresh Spinach Leaves (2 pounds): The star ingredient providing freshness, vivid color, and nutrients packed in every leaf.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create a silky base for sautéing and roux for thickening.
- Onion (1/2): Provides a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced): Offers depth and a slight pungency to complement the spinach.
- Jalapeno (1, sliced): Brings just the right amount of mild heat for a gentle kick.
- Flour (1.5 tablespoons): Essential to thicken the soup and give it that creamy consistency.
- Low Sodium Vegetable Stock (2.5 to 3 cups, warm): Acts as a flavorful liquid base while keeping the sodium in check.
- Cream Cheese (4 ounces, at room temperature): Adds luxurious creaminess without overpowering the spinach’s natural taste.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup, plus extra to sprinkle): Gives an umami punch and delightful salty complexity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Freshly Grated Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Provides gentle warmth and spice uplift.
How to Make Healthy Spinach Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté and Wilt the Spinach
Start by melting a tablespoon of butter in a large pot. Gently sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, which sets the foundation of flavor. Next, add the sliced jalapeno to introduce a subtle spiciness that will brighten the soup. Toss in all the fresh spinach leaves and let them cook on low heat; they’ll wilt down dramatically and release their lush green essence. This step cooks the spinach deeply without losing its vibrant color or freshness.
Step 2: Blend the Spinach Mixture
Once the spinach and aromatics have cooled slightly, transfer everything into a blender along with the cream cheese and 1 cup of warm vegetable stock. Blend this mixture until it becomes perfectly smooth and creamy. This silky puree is what transforms the soup into a velvety delight, capturing all the fresh flavors in a beautiful, cohesive texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Roux
Return to your pot and melt the remaining butter. Stir in the flour and cook on low heat for about a minute, stirring continuously. This brief cooking forms a roux that thickens the soup, giving it a luscious body without lumps. Taking the time at this stage ensures your soup will have that melt-in-your-mouth consistency you’re craving.
Step 4: Combine and Season the Soup
Slowly pour the pureed spinach mixture into the roux, stirring constantly to keep the soup smooth and well combined. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Finally, stir in the grated parmesan cheese, which adds a savory depth and creamy texture that rounds out each spoonful perfectly.
Step 5: Serve with Finishing Touches
Pour the soup into bowls and don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra parmesan cheese on top for an inviting finish. This not only adds a savory bite but also creates an appealing presentation that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to dig in.
How to Serve Healthy Spinach Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, a swirl of cream, or even a few croutons add texture and elevate the soup’s appearance. Freshly chopped herbs such as chives or parsley can bring a fresh, green aroma that complements the vibrant flavors of the spinach beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, warm garlic naan, or a fresh, crisp salad to round out the meal. The hearty texture and creamy flavor of the soup prepare the palate perfectly for these easy but delicious accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For an entertaining twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or ramekins and garnish with microgreens for an elegant touch. You can also drizzle a bit of infused olive oil or add a dash of smoked paprika for a colorful and flavorful flourish that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Healthy Spinach Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy a quick and wholesome meal anytime without compromising on taste or texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. When you want to indulge again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth texture. If it thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen it up without diluting the flavor. Avoid microwaving at high power to preserve the soup’s rich consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it to avoid excess water that could thin the soup. Fresh spinach tends to provide a brighter flavor and more vibrant color.
Is this soup suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! Since the recipe uses vegetable stock and no animal-based broth, it is perfectly vegetarian-friendly while still being packed with flavor and nutrients.
Can I make this soup vegan?
To make this soup vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or olive oil, use vegan cream cheese, and replace the parmesan with a nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternative. The soup will remain delicious and creamy!
How spicy does the jalapeno make the soup?
The jalapeno adds a mild warmth that gently lifts the flavors without overwhelming the delicate spinach. You can adjust the amount or remove the seeds for a milder version tailored to your spice preference.
What can I add to make the soup more filling?
Adding cooked beans, lentils, or a swirl of coconut cream can make the soup heartier. Serving it with whole-grain bread or a side salad also helps create a more complete and sustaining meal.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Spinach Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—fresh, vibrant, and comforting all at once. It’s wholesome enough to fuel your day and flavorful enough to satisfy cravings for something truly delicious. Give it a try and you might find it becoming your new go-to soup that brings a little extra joy and greens to your table.
Print
Healthy Spinach Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 70 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Healthy Spinach Soup is a creamy and flavorful blend of fresh spinach, aromatic garlic, and jalapeno with a smooth texture enhanced by cream cheese and parmesan. Perfect as a comforting appetizer or light meal, it balances nutrition and taste for a wholesome experience.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pounds Fresh Spinach Leaves
- 1/2 Onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced
- 1 Jalapeno, sliced
Dairy & Fats
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for garnish)
Pantry
- 1.5 tablespoons Flour
- 2.5 to 3 cups Low Sodium Vegetable Stock, warm
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly grated Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Then add sliced jalapeno and all the fresh spinach leaves to the pot. Cook on low heat until all the spinach wilts and reduces to less than half its original volume, stirring occasionally.
- Blend Spinach Mixture: Allow the cooked spinach mixture to cool slightly. Transfer it to a blender jar along with cream cheese and 1 cup of the warm vegetable stock. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Create Roux: In the same pot, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the flour and sauté for about one minute, stirring constantly to cook the flour without browning it, forming a light roux that will thicken the soup.
- Combine and Season: Slowly pour the pureed spinach mixture into the roux, stirring continuously to combine and form a smooth soup base. Gradually add the remaining 1.5 to 2 cups of warm vegetable stock, stirring until fully incorporated. Season with salt and freshly grated black pepper to taste. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese. Serve warm to enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of the healthy spinach soup.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno according to your preferred spice level.
- Use low sodium vegetable stock to control the saltiness of the soup.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- If the soup is too thick, add extra vegetable stock or water to reach desired consistency.
