Soupe d'épinards

Soupe d'épinards (spinach soup) is a nutritious and delicious dish that’s both light and flavorful. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Here's a simple recipe for a creamy spinach soup:

Ingredients:

• 500g (about 1 pound) of fresh spinach (or 300g of frozen spinach)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced (for creaminess)
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor
• Optional: croutons or a dollop of sour cream for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spinach:

   • If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and remove any tough stems. If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

3. Cook the Potato:

   • Add the diced potato to the pot and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add Broth and Spinach:

   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potato is tender.

5. Add Spinach:

   • Stir in the fresh or thawed spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and tender.

6. Blend the Soup:

   • Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.

7. Finish the Soup:

   • Return the soup to the pot if you used a blender.
   • Stir in the heavy cream or crème fraîche.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
   • Stir in lemon juice if using, for added brightness.

8. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with croutons or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

This soupe d'épinards is light yet satisfying, perfect as a starter or a light main course. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious soup!