Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup
Highlighted under: Vital Meals Studio
I love making this creamy lemon spinach soup on chilly days when I crave something warm and comforting. The bright flavor of lemon paired with the fresh, vibrant spinach creates a delightful harmony that lifts my spirits. It's surprisingly simple to whip up, which makes it a go-to in my kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens! This recipe has become a family favorite, and I often serve it alongside crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
I often find myself drawn to vibrant, healthy recipes that are both nourishing and delicious. This creamy lemon spinach soup has a perfect balance of flavors that makes it hard to stop at just one bowl. The addition of lemon gives it a refreshing zing that complements the richness of the cream beautifully.
When I first made this soup, I experimented with different herbs and spices but found that keeping it simple truly allows the main ingredients to shine. Using fresh spinach not only provides a lovely color but also a wealth of nutrients—something I always keep in mind when cooking.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Zesty lemon flavor that brightens up your palate
- Smooth, creamy texture that feels indulgent
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days
Key Techniques for Creamy Perfection
When blending the soup, it’s essential to achieve a silky smooth texture. If using an immersion blender, keep it submerged to avoid splattering, blending until completely smooth—about 30 seconds. If using a traditional blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it in batches. This prevents excessive steam and ensures safety. Return the blended mixture to the pot to heat through with the cream and lemon, which adds richness without curdling or altering the taste.
Pay close attention to the timing when sautéing the onions and garlic. Cooking the onions until they are translucent not only enhances their sweetness but also forms the aromatic base that melds beautifully with the spinach. The garlic should be cooked just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—to avoid bitterness. Stirring continuously helps prevent browning, which could alter the flavor profile of your soup.
Ingredient Insights and Substitutions
Fresh spinach is the star of this recipe, adding not only nutrition but also a vibrant green color. If fresh spinach isn't available, substitute with frozen spinach; just ensure it's thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Additionally, you can experiment with other greens like kale or Swiss chard, adjusting cooking times accordingly, as these may take longer to wilt.
The heavy cream contributes to the creaminess of the soup, but if you're looking for a lighter alternative, consider using half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. This will still provide a velvety finish while altering the flavor profile slightly, lending a tropical note to the dish, which can be delightful when balanced with lemon.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious soup:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a delightful soup:
Sauté the onion and garlic
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add spinach and broth
Add the chopped spinach to the pot and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
Blend and season
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Return the soup to the pot, then stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Serve
Heat the soup gently before serving, ensuring it's warm but not boiling. Ladle into bowls and garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Enjoy your homemade creamy lemon spinach soup!
Pro Tips
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when blending the soup.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This creamy lemon spinach soup is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cream and lemon juice, allowing for better flavor development once it’s reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat gently over low heat, then stir in the cream and lemon for freshness.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Cool completely and pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to two months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This soup pairs excellently with crusty bread, perfect for dipping and sopping up every last drop. A fresh baguette or a hearty sourdough loaf would complement the flavors beautifully. For a more robust meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette to echo the soup's citrus notes.
For a fun twist, top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of croutons for added texture. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like dill or basil for an extra layer of freshness. Each of these additions can elevate the dish and personalize it to your taste preferences.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain it to avoid excess moisture.
→ How can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
→ What should I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a light meal.
→ Can I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup
I love making this creamy lemon spinach soup on chilly days when I crave something warm and comforting. The bright flavor of lemon paired with the fresh, vibrant spinach creates a delightful harmony that lifts my spirits. It's surprisingly simple to whip up, which makes it a go-to in my kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens! This recipe has become a family favorite, and I often serve it alongside crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Created by: Sloane Patterson
Recipe Type: Vital Meals Studio
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the chopped spinach to the pot and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Return the soup to the pot, then stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Heat the soup gently before serving, ensuring it's warm but not boiling. Ladle into bowls and garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Extra Tips
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when blending the soup.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 6g