Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I absolutely love making this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup whenever I crave something refreshing and comforting at the same time. The bright flavor of lemon paired with the earthiness of spinach creates the perfect balance. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up in just a matter of minutes! I often pair it with some crusty bread, making it a delightful meal option for lunch or dinner. It’s a unique recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen.
When I first created this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup, I was looking for a dish that would brighten up a gloomy day. After experimenting with various ingredients, I found that lemon enhances the spinach flavor beautifully and gives the soup a refreshing twist. The creamy texture, enriched by the addition of coconut milk, makes it indulgent while still keeping it light.
One of my favorite tips is to sauté the onions and garlic before adding the greens. This step builds a great flavor base, ensuring each spoonful bursts with taste. Each time I make this soup, I’m reminded of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Zesty lemon flavor that elevates the spinach
- Creamy consistency without heavy cream
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
Understanding the Ingredients
The combination of fresh spinach and zesty lemon juice is what truly makes this soup shine. Spinach, with its rich iron content and vitamins, provides not only nutrition but also a vibrant green color that makes for an appealing presentation. Pairing it with lemon brightens the flavor profile, cutting through the earthiness of the spinach, creating a fresh and invigorating taste sensation.
Coconut milk is another star ingredient that plays a critical role in achieving the soup's luxurious texture. Unlike heavy cream, coconut milk adds creaminess without the richness, making this soup a lighter option while still being satisfying. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, the use of coconut milk is perfect and can elevate the health benefits by incorporating medium-chain fatty acids.
Blending Techniques for Perfect Texture
Blending the soup is a key step to achieving that creamy consistency. Using an immersion blender is convenient because it allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot, reducing cleanup time. If you opt for a traditional blender, ensure to let the soup cool slightly before transferring it in batches, and always vent the lid to prevent steam buildup. Aim for a smooth, glossy finish; this ensures all flavors are unified.
After blending, returning the soup to the pot for an additional heat-through with the coconut milk is essential. This step helps meld the flavors together beautifully without boiling, which can alter the texture and taste. Monitor the heat closely and stirring occasionally will help avoid sticking at the bottom.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for a delicious soup:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon slices for garnish
These ingredients will come together to create a delightful soup!
Instructions
Let's jump into the cooking process:
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Potato
Add the diced potato to the pot and stir for a few minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
Add Spinach and Blend
Once the potatoes are cooked, add the chopped spinach to the pot. Cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth.
Stir in Cream and Season
Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the coconut milk and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for another 5 minutes, but do not boil.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh lemon slices, and serve hot with crusty bread. Enjoy your delicious homemade soup!
Now you have a bowl of warmth and flavor ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also use vegetable stock for added flavor.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop even further overnight. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture without boiling.
If you're looking to freeze this soup, you can do so after blending. Freeze in single-serving portions in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup alongside crusty bread for a hearty meal. A crusty sourdough or whole grain baguette complements the flavors perfectly and is great for dipping. For an extra touch, try toasting the bread with a bit of garlic for an added flavor layer.
To make the meal more complete, consider pairing the soup with a salad topped with citrus vinaigrette, which will echo the lemon flavors in the soup. Adding toppings such as croutons, toasted seeds, or a dollop of yogurt can also enhance the texture and taste, creating a delightful dining experience.
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 before adding it to the soup.
→ Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
You can substitute almond milk or any other creamy non-dairy milk, but the flavor will be different.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove for best results.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers would work well in this soup.
Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup
I absolutely love making this Creamy Lemon Spinach Soup whenever I crave something refreshing and comforting at the same time. The bright flavor of lemon paired with the earthiness of spinach creates the perfect balance. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up in just a matter of minutes! I often pair it with some crusty bread, making it a delightful meal option for lunch or dinner. It’s a unique recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen.
Created by: Jenna Rowland
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon slices for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Add the diced potato to the pot and stir for a few minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
Once the potatoes are cooked, add the chopped spinach to the pot. Cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches.
Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the coconut milk and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for another 5 minutes, but do not boil.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh lemon slices, and serve hot with crusty bread. Enjoy your delicious homemade soup!
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also use vegetable stock for added flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 4g