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Cream of spinach soup served in a white bowl with herbs on top.

Cream of Spinach Soup

Course: Lunch
Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: 300 kcal (per serving)

A delicious recipe, cream of spinach soup blends the rich flavours of spinach with the smoothness of cream. It’s perfect for a warm lunch or dinner, especially during the winter months.

Ingredients

• 315 g (10 oz) chopped frozen spinach
• 1 rasher (40 g) bacon
• 2 chicken stock cubes
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups water
• 1 small onion
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 30 g (1 oz) butter
• 1 cup cream

Instructions

1. Thaw the frozen spinach.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter and sauté the finely chopped bacon until tender.
3. In a blender, combine the thawed spinach, crumbled stock cubes, flour, salt, pepper, water, peeled and roughly chopped onion, and nutmeg.
4. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth.
5. Pour the blended mixture into the saucepan with the bacon and stir over heat until the soup comes to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Stir in the cream and gently reheat the soup.
8. Serve the spinach cream soup.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300–350 kcal
• Fat: 20–25 g
• Protein: 8–10 g
• Carbohydrates: 20–25 g
• Fiber: Moderate (depends on spinach)
• Sodium: High (due to bacon and stock cubes)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach?
   Yes, blanch fresh spinach before blending.
2. How long should I thaw the frozen spinach?
   4–6 hours in the fridge or a couple hours at room temperature.
3. Can I omit the bacon to make it vegetarian?
   Yes! The soup still tastes great without bacon.
4. Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock cubes?
   Yes, for a vegetarian option.
5. Is there a substitute for cream if I want a lighter version?
   Yes, use milk or non-dairy milk like almond or coconut.
6. Can I freeze the cream of spinach soup?
   Yes, but thaw and reheat gently for best texture.
7. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
   Definitely! Carrots or potatoes are great additions.
8. Can I use ground nutmeg?
   Yes, start with a pinch and adjust to taste.
9. Can I make the soup in advance?
   Yes, store it and reheat gently when ready to serve.
10. Can I garnish the soup?
    Yes! Try cream swirls, bacon bits, herbs, or cheese.
11. How can I make the soup thicker?
    Add more flour or use a cornstarch slurry.
12. Can I use an immersion blender?
    Yes, it’s a convenient option for blending in the pot.
13. Can I use low-sodium chicken stock cubes?
    Yes, to reduce sodium content.
14. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
    Yes, use non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream.
15. Can I add garlic or cayenne pepper for flavor?
    Definitely! Customize spices as you like.
16. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
    Yes, it’s a suitable substitute for butter.
17. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
    Yes, but blend ingredients before adding to cooker.
18. Can I use other leafy greens instead of spinach?
    Yes, kale or Swiss chard work well.
19. Can I adjust the seasoning?
    Absolutely! Tweak salt, pepper, and spices to taste.
20. Can I serve it with a side dish?
    Yes! Bread, salad, or a sandwich are great pairings.

Tags: Lunch, Bacon, Chicken Stock, Comfort Food, Cream Of Spinach, Soup, Creamy Soup, Easy Recipe, Homemade, Nutmeg, Vegetarian