Cream of Spinach Soup
Cream of Spinach Soup Recipe from Romania with Lemon and Sour Cream
Introduction
Cream of Spinach Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day. This creamy soup is packed with the goodness of spinach and is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
History
Cream of Spinach Soup has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. Spinach has long been known for its health benefits, and combining it with cream creates a rich and flavorful soup that is loved by many.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Wash and rinse the spinach.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and strain the contents.
- Return to heat and add lemon, salt, and butter.
- Allow to boil for another minute or two, then add the sour cream mixed with flour.
- Serve with French Toast.
Variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the soup.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to wash and rinse the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon to the boiling water helps to brighten the flavor of the soup.
- Mixing the sour cream with flour before adding it to the soup helps to prevent lumps from forming.
- Be careful not to overcook the spinach, as it can become mushy and lose its vibrant green color.
Serving Suggestions
Cream of Spinach Soup can be served as a starter or as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a salad.
Cooking Techniques
Boiling the spinach helps to retain its vibrant green color.
- Mixing the sour cream with flour before adding it to the soup helps to thicken the soup without lumps.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- Olive oil can be used instead of butter for a dairy-free version of the soup.
Make Ahead Tips
Cream of Spinach Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the Cream of Spinach Soup with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Cream of Spinach Soup pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. It also goes well with a light beer or a cup of hot tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Cream of Spinach Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Cream of Spinach Soup contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Cream of Spinach Soup contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Cream of Spinach Soup contains approximately 8 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Cream of Spinach Soup contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Cream of Spinach Soup is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron and calcium.
Alergens
Cream of Spinach Soup contains dairy (butter, sour cream) and gluten (flour).
Summary
Cream of Spinach Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet.
Summary
Cream of Spinach Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this creamy soup is sure to warm you up and nourish your body. Enjoy it as a starter or a main dish, and don't forget to serve it with a side of French toast for a complete meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside with my family. My mother had been feeling under the weather, and I wanted to make her something special to cheer her up. I rummaged through her old recipe box, filled with yellowed index cards and faded clippings from magazines.
As I flipped through the cards, one caught my eye. It was a recipe for Cream of Spinach Soup, written in my mother's elegant handwriting. I had never heard of such a dish before, but the ingredients sounded simple enough – spinach, onions, butter, flour, milk, and a pinch of nutmeg. I decided to give it a try.
I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions on the card to the letter. I sautéed the onions in butter until they were golden brown, then added the flour to make a roux. I slowly poured in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Finally, I added the spinach and let the soup simmer until it was thick and creamy.
When I served the soup to my mother, her eyes lit up with delight. She took a spoonful and savored the rich, velvety texture. "This is delicious, dear," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "You have a real talent for cooking."
From that day on, Cream of Spinach Soup became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions and whenever someone was feeling unwell. Over the years, I tweaked the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding a dash of garlic here, a sprinkle of Parmesan there. Each time I made it, the soup brought back memories of that first time I discovered it in my mother's recipe box.
As I grew older, I continued to experiment with different variations of Cream of Spinach Soup. I learned new techniques and flavor combinations from friends, neighbors, and even strangers I met along the way. One summer, I attended a cooking class in the city and picked up a trick for adding a splash of white wine to the soup for an extra depth of flavor. Another time, I visited a farmer's market and was inspired to use fresh, organic spinach instead of the frozen kind I had always used.
The more I cooked, the more I realized that food was not just about sustenance – it was a way to connect with others, to share stories and traditions, to create memories that would last a lifetime. Each time I made Cream of Spinach Soup, I felt a sense of gratitude for all the people who had taught me along the way, who had shared their knowledge and passion for food with me.
Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, stirring a pot of Cream of Spinach Soup on the stove, I think back on all the moments that have led me to this point. The laughter of loved ones gathered around the table, the comforting aroma of simmering vegetables and spices, the joy of creating something delicious from simple ingredients. I am grateful for the recipe that started it all, for the memories it holds and the connections it has forged.
As I ladle the steaming soup into bowls and garnish it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, I can't help but smile. This recipe, with its roots in my mother's old recipe box, has become so much more than just a dish – it is a reminder of the love and care that have shaped my life, a testament to the power of food to nourish not just the body, but the soul. And as I take my first spoonful of the creamy, spinach-infused broth, I know that this humble soup will always hold a special place in my heart.
Categories
| Romanian Recipes | Romanian Soups | Sour Cream Recipes | Spinach Recipes |