Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of soup? For me, that answer is a resounding no! One of my all-time favorites is this Creamy Spinach Mushroom Soup. The combination of earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and a luscious creamy base is downright magical. It’s the kind of soup that wraps around you like a warm hug, especially on chilly evenings when you just want to curl up with something delicious.
My love for this soup goes back to my college days when I was trying to impress a cute study partner. I whipped up this soup on a whim, and it turned out to be a hit! I guess you could say it sparked both a delicious friendship and a lifelong affection for this recipe. The great thing is, it’s super simple to make and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for those busy weeknights. Ready to dive into my version of creamy soup perfection? Let’s go!
What’s in Creamy Spinach Mushroom Soup?
- Olive oil: A couple of tablespoons to sauté the onion and garlic. I prefer using extra virgin for that rich flavor!
- Onion: Just one medium onion, chopped up to give a sweet, aromatic base. It’s the foundation of goodness!
- Garlic: Two cloves (or more, if you’re feeling adventurous). Fresh garlic is like fairy dust in cooking; it makes everything better.
- Mushrooms: About 250g (8 ounces) of sliced mushrooms—white or cremini, whichever you have on hand. They add that earthy depth.
- Vegetable broth: Four cups for a flavorful, rich soup base. Homemade is fabulous, but store-bought works wonders too!
- Fresh spinach: Loosely packed, about two cups. It’s vibrant, healthy, and will wilt down beautifully.
- Heavy cream: One cup to create that creamy, indulgent texture. A little bit goes a long way!
- Dried thyme: One teaspoon for an herbal touch that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste; I usually start with one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for a little color and fresh flavor when garnishing.
Is Creamy Spinach Mushroom Soup Good for You?
Let’s chat health for a moment! This Creamy Spinach Mushroom Soup has some solid benefits. First off, the fresh spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron and fiber, which makes your body extra happy. Meanwhile, mushrooms are fantastic little superstars—they can boost your immune system while adding loads of flavor with fewer calories.
Now, about that heavy cream: let’s be honest, it adds a luxurious richness that makes this soup unforgettable, but it can also pack on the calories. If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can swap the heavy cream for a lighter alternative like half-and-half or even coconut milk for a plant-based and dairy-free option. Just remember to adjust your flavors accordingly; a bit of lemon juice can brighten things up deliciously!
Ingredients List
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 250g (about 8 ounces) mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Spinach Mushroom Soup?
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and softened.
- Add those fragrant garlic cloves and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soften and release their juices—your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend all those lovely flavors together.
- Now, it’s spinach time! Add the roughly chopped spinach and stir until it’s wilted—this will only take about 2-3 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it heat through for another 5 minutes. Just be careful not to let it boil—noone likes curdled cream!
- Take a moment to taste your masterpiece, adjusting any seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle that fresh parsley on top for a pop of color!
Extra Tips for a Great Soup Experience!
- If you like your soup thicker, feel free to blend some of it (using a blender or immersion blender) and mix it back into the pot for extra creaminess.
- A pinch of nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can heighten the flavor profile; trust me, it’s a game-changer!
- This soup is perfect with crusty bread or paired with a light side salad—it’s like a hug in a bowl!
So there you have it—a deliciously cozy bowl of Creamy Spinach Mushroom Soup that’s easy to make and hard to resist! I invite you to bring it into your kitchen and hopefully create some lovely memories of your own. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out—I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Happy cooking!
