Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I absolutely love making this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup, especially on chilly evenings when I crave something warm and comforting. The blend of fresh spinach with the zesty kick of lemon creates a uniquely refreshing flavor profile that I just can't resist. Plus, the creamy texture makes it feel indulgent without being overly heavy. This comforting bowl of goodness is not just quick to prepare, but it's also packed with nutrients, making it a favorite go-to for a healthy meal. I can’t wait to share this delightful soup with you!
When I first experimented with this recipe, I was surprised by how the simple addition of lemon completely transformed the flavor of traditional spinach soup. The citrusy brightness contrasts beautifully with the creamy base, making each spoonful feel like a burst of freshness. I often serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal, and I love how my family gathers around the table to enjoy it together.
One tip I discovered while perfecting this soup is to make sure to sauté the garlic before adding other ingredients. This step enhances the flavor profile, making it richer and more aromatic, elevating the overall dish. It’s little tweaks like this that can make a world of difference in home cooking!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing lemon flavor that brightens your day
- Silky smooth texture that's incredibly comforting
- Quick and easy preparation perfect for busy weeknights
Perfecting the Creaminess
Achieving the right creamy consistency is crucial for this soup. When you blend the soup, make sure to blend it until completely smooth to avoid any gritty texture from the spinach. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the vegetable broth to 2.5 cups, blending in additional cooked potatoes for added creaminess without extra dairy.
For those who prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, which will still deliver a lovely texture. Just be cautious with the heat after adding the cream; avoid boiling the soup again, as high heat can cause the cream to separate and diminish the soup's smoothness.
Enhancing with Flavor
To elevate the flavor profile of your creamy lemon spinach soup, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or dill during the sautéing process. Adding a pinch of nutmeg also complements the spinach beautifully without overpowering the lemon. When citrus is involved, balancing the flavors is key; taste and adjust the lemon juice as it can vary in acidity and strength.
If you want to add a protein boost to your soup, consider incorporating cooked chicken or white beans after blending. They can be seamlessly mixed in without disrupting the silky texture, making this soup a fulfilling meal that satisfies hunger and nutrition needs.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful soup experience.
Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: croutons for garnish
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your soup.
Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Spinach and Broth
Stir in the chopped spinach and continue to cook until it's just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Blend to Creaminess
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer it to a regular blender in batches.
Finish with Cream and Lemon
Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat it through without boiling.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with croutons if desired. Enjoy this creamy, zesty delight!
Pro Tips
- For a lighter version, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. You can also add some cooked chicken for added protein.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is diverse in serving options and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. For a touch of warmth, you could serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich, which is always a classic favorite. Drizzling a bit of extra virgin olive oil on top before serving adds a nice visual touch and a richness that enhances the lemony flavor.
For a more sophisticated presentation, serve the soup in small cups or shot glasses as an appetizer at a dinner party, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest or a dollop of sour cream. This turns your creamy lemon spinach soup into an elegant starter that can impress your guests.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This creamy lemon spinach soup is ideal for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember to hold off on adding the cream and lemon juice until you reheat it; this prevents the cream from losing its lusciousness and the lemon from becoming too harsh in flavor.
If you're planning to freeze the soup, opt for a version without the cream. Once fully cooled, ladle it into freezer-safe bags, leaving some space for expansion. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove before adding the cream and lemon juice for that fresh taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
→ Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegetable broth.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a light salad.
Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup
I absolutely love making this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup, especially on chilly evenings when I crave something warm and comforting. The blend of fresh spinach with the zesty kick of lemon creates a uniquely refreshing flavor profile that I just can't resist. Plus, the creamy texture makes it feel indulgent without being overly heavy. This comforting bowl of goodness is not just quick to prepare, but it's also packed with nutrients, making it a favorite go-to for a healthy meal. I can’t wait to share this delightful soup with you!
What You'll Need
Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: croutons for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped spinach and continue to cook until it's just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer it to a regular blender in batches.
Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat it through without boiling.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with croutons if desired. Enjoy this creamy, zesty delight!
Extra Tips
- For a lighter version, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. You can also add some cooked chicken for added protein.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 5g