The Easiest Cream of Spinach Soup (Vegan)

❤️ Why you’ll love it 

I absolutely adore this cream of spinach soup recipe for its simplicity and the wonderful blend of flavors it offers. The combination of fresh spinach leaves, tender potatoes, and aromatic garlic and onions creates a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for any time of the year. 

This is the perfect soup to try, even if you are not a fan of spinach soups in general. That was precisely how I felt till the day I tried some of it at a restaurant. Since then, I have tested several iterations of it to land on this recipe that tastes even better. 

What is best is that this soup is incredibly creamy and smooth, thanks to the potatoes. It will give you that classic velvety texture without using any dairy products or even dairy-free milk. This my favorite way to thicken any soup. Adding nutmeg also takes the flavor to the next level. Try this recipe, and you will know why it is the best.

🧾 Key ingredients

The best part about this spinach soup is how simple and easy it is. The ingredients are not only nutritious but are also readily available in your local grocery store or even in your kitchen pantry.

Fresh spinach leaves are the star of this recipe. They not only give the soup its vibrant green color but also pack it with essential nutrients. Remember to add them in batches due to their significant reduction upon heating.

Onion and garlic are essential in this recipe. They add a depth of flavor that compliments the freshness of the spinach perfectly.

Potatoes are the not-so-secret ingredient in this recipe. They not only add a creamy texture to the soup without the need for any dairy products but also help in reducing the cooking time when diced small and evenly.

Nutmeg is optional but highly recommended. It adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the soup, enhancing its overall flavor.

🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

🥘 Equipment

For the best texture, the most important piece of equipment is a high-powered blender. There is a significant difference between it and an immersion blender. Both can make a creamy soup, but if you want a cream of spinach soup without a single tiny piece of spinach leaves, then a high-powered blender such as a Vitamix is the key to that. Trust me, it is game-changing.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Start by cleaning the fresh spinach leaves under running water. Then, peel the onion and garlic cloves. Once peeled, finely chop the onion and garlic.

STEP 2
Next, peel the potatoes and dice them into small pieces. Remember, the smaller the dice, the shorter the cooking time will be.

Making the spinach soup

STEP 1
Heat a large pan or stock pot on medium-low heat until the oil is shimmering. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan, and make sure they are coated with the oil and spread evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

STEP 2
Once the onion is tender but still white, add the fresh spinach leaves to the pan. Stir.

STEP 3
Now it is time to add the vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes until the spinach leaves have wilted and made room for the potatoes.

STEP 4
Add the diced potatoes. Let them cook until they become tender, which should take about fifteen to twenty minutes.

STEP 5
After the potatoes are tender, use a hand blender to puree the soup until it is smooth. Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Your spinach soup is now ready to serve.

💡 Expert tip

For the best creamy spinach soup, chop the vegetables evenly. If you dice the potatoes small and even, it will reduce your cooking time. Since spinach leaves need a short time to wilt, the cooking time depends entirely on the size of the potatoes. The smaller you chop them, the faster the soup will cook.

🔄 Variations

If you are someone who enjoys a little heat in your meals, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes to this vegan spinach soup. This will give the soup a spicy twist and add an exciting twist to its flavor profile.

If you are looking for a sweeter version of this soup, consider replacing the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes will give the soup a unique, slightly sweet taste, providing a delightful contrast to the savory spinach.

If you are looking to increase the protein content of this soup, consider adding tofu. Dice the tofu into small cubes and add them to the soup along with the spinach. This will not only boost the protein content but also add a pleasant texture to the soup.

To give this soup a refreshing twist, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest. The zest will add a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spinach and makes the soup even more appetizing.

🥣 Serving ideas

This spinach soup is great as a light main course or an appetizer to your favorite vegan entree for a wholesome, balanced meal.

For a delicious lunch, this soup pairs beautifully with a variety of salads. Try it with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad or a vibrant quinoa salad with berries and candied nuts. For a protein-rich option, consider serving it with a chickpea salad or a lentil salad. 

As a dinner option, it can be an excellent starter for your main course. Pair it with a comforting vegan shepherd’s pie, a plate of vegan mushroom pasta, or a vegan pot pie. If you prefer a lighter meal, serve it with a side of roasted asparagus or sautéed mushrooms.

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch with their soup, consider adding some garnishes. Croutons, breadsticks, crispy tofu, or even vegetable chips can add a delicious texture contrast. 

❄️ Storing tips

This spinach soup stores exceptionally well, so you do not need to worry if you have some leftovers.

To store, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can then be refrigerated and enjoyed within the next four to five days. Remember, the key to maintaining the soup’s freshness is to ensure that it is stored in a cool, dry place.

The soup’s potato content makes it unsuitable for freezing. When potatoes are frozen, their texture changes due to the water content within them. Upon thawing, they can become grainy and unappetizing, which is not ideal for a soup that relies on the smoothness of its ingredients for its creaminess. Therefore, it is best to enjoy this soup fresh or refrigerated.

To reheat the soup, you can use either the stovetop or the microwave. If using the stovetop, gently warm the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pot. If using the microwave, heat the soup in intervals of one minute, stirring after each interval to guarantee even heating.

🤔 FAQs

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