Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Winter Green Soup?
Creamy Winter Green Soup is a hearty vegetarian soup inspired by Laurel's Kitchen, featuring a vibrant mix of spinach, zucchini, and split peas.
Is this soup recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this soup is entirely vegetarian, using vegetable stock and plant-based ingredients.
Can I make this soup vegan?
The base recipe is vegan. To keep it vegan, ensure you use a plant-based milk alternative if you choose to add a creamy finish.
What are the primary vegetables used in this soup?
The main vegetables include spinach, zucchini, celery, and onion.
How do I make the soup creamier?
You can achieve a creamier texture by stirring in milk or your favorite plant-based milk alternative at the end.
Can I blend this soup?
Yes, you can blend the ingredients once cooked to achieve your desired smooth or chunky texture.
What type of stock should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 1/2 cups of vegetable stock.
Do the split peas need to be soaked?
The instructions specify rinsing the 1 1/4 cups of split peas before adding them to the soup.
How much spinach is required?
You will need 1 pound of washed and chopped spinach.
What herbs and spices provide the flavor?
The soup is seasoned with bay leaves, basil, ground pepper, salt, and fresh parsley.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, its hearty nature and ingredients make it an excellent choice for batch cooking and meal prep.
What is the preparation for the zucchini?
The recipe requires 5 cups of zucchini that has been diced.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 1 clove of garlic, minced.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is flexible and allows you to experiment with additional vegetables.
What is the source of inspiration for this soup?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved recipes found in Laurel's Kitchen.
How much celery is needed?
You should use 2 stalks of celery, diced.
Is there oil in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of oil for sautรฉing.
What tags describe this recipe?
Common tags include soup, vegetarian, winter recipes, healthy, comfort food, and easy meals.
How much onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 an onion, chopped fine.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free; just ensure your vegetable stock is certified gluten-free.
How much fresh parsley should I use?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
How many bay leaves are included?
The recipe includes 2 bay leaves.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended, you can use dried parsley, though you should reduce the amount by about a third.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup is naturally hearty due to the split peas and zucchini, and can be made creamy by blending or adding milk.
Can I freeze Creamy Winter Green Soup?
Yes, soups with split peas and zucchini generally freeze well, though it is best to freeze before adding dairy.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is packed with nutrient-dense greens like spinach and zucchini and fiber-rich split peas.
How much salt and pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper.
What is the cooking liquid?
The primary cooking liquid is vegetable stock.
Can I use frozen zucchini?
While fresh is best for texture, frozen zucchini can be used as it will be softened during the boiling process anyway.
What makes this soup particularly good for winter?
Its warmth, hearty texture from split peas, and earthy flavors provide comfort and nutrition during cold weather.