Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Cream of Spinach Soup



Cream of Spinach Soup
As Shared from the kitchen of Once Upon a Plate
4 servings

1 medium yellow/brown onion (or 1/2 large), finely chopped
4 Tablespoons butter (1/2 stick). May use 2 Tablespoons olive oil & 2 Tablespoons butter.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups chicken stock (may use canned/boxed broth)
2 1/2 cups whole milk, heated. (May use lower fat versions, but soup won't be as creamy)
1 (10 to 12 ounce) package fresh baby spinach, chopped, OR 1 package chopped frozen spinach, thawed & drained
Salt & White Pepper to taste (may use black pepper)
1 whole bay leaf (optional)
Nutmeg to taste (optional)
3 Tablespoons heavy cream, or Half & Half (optional)

Heat butter over medium heat until hot, add onion and saute until transluscent but not browned. (About 4 to 5 minutes.) Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions, stir over low heat for about 2 minutes or so, to remove raw taste from flour. Whisk or stir in the chicken stock, cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until mixture is thick and smooth. Gradually whisk or stir in the heated milk until mixture is smooth, add nutmeg and bay leaf if using, then add spinach and season with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until spinach is done to your liking; 10 to 20 minutes. Remove bay leaf, stir in cream, taste for seasoning and serve, piping hot.

NOTE if you prefer a smooth soup: After cooking, remove bay leaf and puree mixture in blender then pour back into soup pot and reheat. Add cream and nutmeg before serving.

I hope you enjoy!


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