This Spinach and Potato Soup is a comforting blend of creamy potatoes, vibrant spinach, and aromatic herbs. The gentle thickening from a milk and flour slurry makes it silky smooth without heavy cream, while a touch of soy sauce enhances the depth of flavor. Perfect for family meals or solo indulgence, this soup is a quick, budget-friendly recipe that offers nourishment without compromise. Pair it with crusty bread or golden croutons for a wholesome, satisfying experience. It’s a surefire way to add some greens and warmth to your day!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian herbs
- 1 ½ lb (675 grams) potatoes, diced
- 2 ¼ cups (540 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fine salt, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 4 oz (120 grams) baby spinach
Directions:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, paprika, and Italian herbs, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Add the diced potatoes and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour to create a slurry.
- Add the slurry and soy sauce to the pot. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the soup thickens.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add the spinach, stirring until wilted and bright green, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, croutons, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 257 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Spinach and Potato Soup: A Hearty and Nutritious Delight
Spinach and Potato Soup is a comforting, nutrient-packed dish that brings together the earthiness of potatoes and the vibrancy of spinach. Perfect for any season, this recipe embodies simplicity while delivering a burst of flavor, making it a staple in many households. Whether you’re a fan of wholesome soups or simply looking for an easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this dish ticks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
One of the standout features of Spinach and Potato Soup is its versatility. It can be a light lunch or a hearty dinner, depending on how you serve it. Pair it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a protein of your choice, and you have a complete meal. The recipe is vegetarian-friendly, budget-conscious, and made with pantry staples, ensuring it’s accessible for everyone.
Here are some reasons this soup might become your next favorite:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and minerals from spinach and potatoes, it’s a meal you can feel good about.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Add spices, swap spinach for kale, or use your favorite broth.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients that won’t break the bank, it’s an economical way to feed a family.
The Key to Its Rich Flavor
The flavor of this soup lies in its layers. It starts with a buttery onion and garlic base, seasoned with paprika and Italian herbs to provide warmth and depth. The potatoes are the heart of the dish, adding body and creaminess without the need for heavy cream. A unique twist in this recipe is the addition of a milk and flour slurry, which thickens the soup to perfection, creating a velvety texture.
To elevate the umami factor, a dash of soy sauce is added. It’s a surprising ingredient for many, but it enhances the overall taste by adding complexity and richness. Finally, the spinach is stirred in at the end, retaining its bright green color and delicate flavor, making the soup both visually appealing and delicious.
Health Benefits of Spinach and Potatoes
This soup is not just delicious it’s a powerhouse of nutrition. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of its two main ingredients:
- Spinach:
Spinach is a superfood packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. It supports immune health, promotes strong bones, and improves digestion. In this recipe, the spinach is added towards the end of cooking to preserve its nutrients and vibrant color. - Potatoes:
Often misunderstood as merely a starchy food, potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. They help regulate blood pressure, boost energy levels, and keep you feeling full for longer.
Tips for the Perfect Soup
Making the best Spinach and Potato Soup requires just a few mindful steps:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully as they have a creamy texture and hold their shape during cooking. However, russet or red potatoes are good substitutes.
- Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Add the spinach in the final minutes of cooking to ensure it remains tender yet vibrant. Overcooking can result in a loss of nutrients and a dull green color.
- Season Thoughtfully: Start with less salt, as the soy sauce adds some saltiness. Adjust the seasoning after tasting to suit your palate.
- Get Creative with Toppings: While delicious on its own, this soup shines with toppings like grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or crunchy croutons.
Ways to Serve and Store the Soup
Spinach and Potato Soup is a crowd-pleaser that suits a variety of occasions. Serve it as a starter for a multi-course meal or enjoy it as a standalone dish for a cozy dinner. Its creamy texture makes it satisfying, but you can also pair it with complementary dishes for added variety.
If you have leftovers, this soup stores well. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, you might find it thickened slightly simply add a splash of milk or water to reach the desired consistency. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it a great option for meal prep.
Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is fantastic, there are countless ways to adapt it to your taste:
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with olive oil and use a plant-based milk alternative for the slurry.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, crumbled sausage, or chickpeas for a heartier soup.
- Boost the Veggies: Add carrots, celery, or leeks to the base for more flavor and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a pleasant kick.
- Cheesy Goodness: Melt some shredded cheese into the soup for a creamy, indulgent twist.
A Soup for All Seasons
While it’s especially comforting during the colder months, Spinach and Potato Soup is versatile enough for any time of year. In spring and summer, its light yet filling nature makes it a wonderful lunch. During fall and winter, the warm, creamy broth feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.
Conclusion:
Spinach and Potato Soup is a testament to the idea that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. Its creamy texture, rich flavor, and nutritional value make it a recipe worth adding to your repertoire. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this soup is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
With its comforting warmth and vibrant flavors, this soup is more than just food it’s a culinary experience that nourishes both body and soul. So grab your pot and ingredients, and let this Spinach and Potato Soup become a staple in your kitchen.