Creamy Spinach and Cauliflower Delight
Experience a nourishing bowl of creamy goodness with this wholesome spin on traditional cream of spinach soup. By blending cauliflower into a velvety texture, we eliminate the need for heavy cream while still delivering a rich and satisfying flavor. Packed with fresh spinach and aromatic herbs, this heart-healthy soup is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Easily made vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth, it's a versatile dish that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 lb (Remove leaves, stem, and chop florets coarsely.)
Fresh Spinach
1 1/2 lbs (Wash, dry, and chop coarsely.)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Garlic
2 cloves (Minced.)
Chicken Broth
6 cups (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Dijon Mustard
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Fresh Ground Pepper
to taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your stock pot over medium heat.
2
Carefully remove the green leaves from the cauliflower, then chop off the stem and cut the florets into coarse pieces.
3
Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly to remove any grit. Dry with a towel or use a salad spinner, then chop the spinach coarsely.
4
In the preheated pot, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
5
Add the chopped cauliflower florets to the pot, followed by the chicken broth and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 15 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender. Next, add the chopped spinach and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and vibrant.
7
Stir in the Dijon mustard and dried thyme, mixing well to combine all flavors.
8
Using a hand-held immersion blender, carefully puree the soup in the pot until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup.
9
Taste and adjust seasoning with fresh ground pepper and additional salt as needed before serving.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
11.67g
Carbs
3.33g
Protein
4.17g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach and Cauliflower Delight?
It is a nutrient-dense, cream-free soup that uses blended cauliflower to achieve a velvety, rich texture.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it can be made vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
What makes the soup creamy if there is no dairy?
Pureeing the cooked cauliflower florets creates a thick, creamy consistency without the need for heavy cream.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This soup is low in fat, containing only 2g per serving.
How much spinach do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of fresh spinach.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 11.67g of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving contains 3.33g of protein.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, it provides 4.17g of fiber per serving.
How do I prepare the cauliflower for the soup?
Remove the green leaves and stem, then chop the florets into coarse pieces.
How long does the cauliflower need to simmer?
The cauliflower should simmer for about 15 minutes or until it is tender.
When should I add the spinach to the pot?
Add the spinach after the cauliflower has simmered for 15 minutes, then cook for 5 more minutes.
What equipment is best for blending the soup?
A hand-held immersion blender is ideal for pureeing the soup directly in the pot.
Can I make the soup chunky instead of smooth?
Yes, simply blend only a portion of the soup if you prefer a chunkier texture.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 2 cloves of minced garlic.
Why is Dijon mustard included in the recipe?
Dijon mustard is added to enhance the flavor profile and add a subtle tang.
What dried herb is used for seasoning?
One teaspoon of dried thyme is used to season the soup.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires 6 cups of chicken broth.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with straightforward instructions.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
While fresh is specified, frozen cauliflower can be used; just adjust the simmering time as needed.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic for only about 30 seconds or until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown.
Is this soup considered heart-healthy?
Yes, it is described as a heart-healthy dish packed with fresh vegetables and low fat content.
Should I wash the spinach before cooking?
Yes, rinse the spinach thoroughly to remove grit and dry it before chopping.
How do I season the soup at the end?
Taste the soup and adjust with fresh ground pepper and additional salt as needed.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
The provided data indicates no cholesterol content.
Is there any added sugar in this soup?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh thyme, though you may need to increase the amount slightly for similar potency.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this soup dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses olive oil and vegetables for creaminess.