Spicy Creamy Potato and Rapini Delight
This Spicy Creamy Potato and Rapini Delight is a comforting and flavorful soup that combines the earthiness of potatoes with the unique bitter notes of rapini, complemented by a hint of spice. Inspired by a classic potato and spinach soup, this version uses rapini for a twist that elevates the dish to new heights. If rapini isn't available, feel free to substitute it with broccoli for a similar texture. The gentle warmth from cayenne pepper adds a delightful tingle that lingers pleasantly on the palate, making every spoonful a cozy experience. Perfect for a chilly evening, this soup is sure to become a family favorite!
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (diced)
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (n/a)
chicken stock or vegetable stock
2 cups (n/a)
water
3 cups (or 2 cups for thicker soup)
potatoes
3 (medium, diced)
rapini or broccoli
3-4 cups (florets)
heavy cream
1 cup (n/a)
salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
garlic powder
1 dash (n/a)
onion powder
1 dash (n/a)
black pepper
to taste (n/a)
Spike seasoning
1 tablespoon (brand seasoning blend)
cayenne pepper
1 dash (n/a)
Instructions
1
In a large stock pot, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly.
2
Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the all-purpose flour, cooking for another minute to create a roux that thickens the soup.
4
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, followed by the water. Mix well to combine.
5
Add the diced potatoes and rapini (or broccoli) to the pot. Season with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and Spike seasoning.
6
Bring the soup to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, and the rapini has broken down, about 15-20 minutes.
7
Use a potato masher to mash the mixture slightly, leaving some chunks for texture. For a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender.
8
Lower the heat to 'low'. Slowly incorporate the heavy cream, stirring gently. Avoid bringing the soup back to a boil to prevent curdling.
9
Season with black pepper and a dash of cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
10
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for an added touch of richness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Creamy Potato and Rapini Delight?
It is a comforting soup that combines potatoes, bitter rapini, and a hint of cayenne spice in a creamy base.
What can I use if rapini is not available?
You can easily substitute rapini with broccoli florets for a similar texture and delicious taste.
Is this soup very spicy?
The soup has a gentle warmth from a dash of cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 4 to 6 servings.
Can I make this soup thicker?
Yes, you can reduce the water to 2 cups instead of 3, or mash more of the potatoes to increase the thickness.
Is vegetable stock okay to use?
Absolutely, either chicken stock or vegetable stock works perfectly in this recipe.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
Medium-sized potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet are ideal for dicing and mashing in this soup.
Can I make this a vegan recipe?
Yes, substitute the butter with oil, use vegetable stock, and replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the rapini has broken down.
What is Spike seasoning?
Spike is a specific brand of multi-purpose seasoning blend containing various herbs and spices.
Should I use an immersion blender?
You can use an immersion blender if you prefer a completely smooth consistency, though a potato masher works well for a textured soup.
How do I keep the heavy cream from curdling?
Lower the heat to low before adding the cream and do not allow the soup to return to a boil once the cream is incorporated.
Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Yes, but note that the texture of dairy-based soups can change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
What are some recommended garnishes?
Grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese are excellent choices to add extra richness to the served soup.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this?
Yes, frozen rapini or broccoli can be used, though the cooking time may need slight adjustment.
How long will the soup stay fresh in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, the soup will remain fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I add other vegetables like carrots?
Yes, you can sauté carrots or celery with the onions at the beginning for added flavor and nutrition.
What is a good substitute for cayenne pepper?
You can use red pepper flakes or simply omit it if you prefer a soup with no heat at all.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it is not gluten-free because it uses all-purpose flour for the roux, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead.
How do I make the roux for the soup?
Melt the butter, then stir in the flour and cook for one minute before slowly adding the liquid.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk?
Yes, but the soup will be less rich and slightly thinner than when using heavy cream.
Why do I need to mash some of the potatoes?
Mashing some of the potatoes helps thicken the soup naturally while maintaining some chunky texture.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, olive oil can be used to sauté the onions and create the roux, though the flavor will be slightly different.
What does rapini taste like?
Rapini, also known as broccoli rabe, has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy potato base.
Is this a healthy soup option?
Yes, it contains nutrient-rich vegetables and fiber, providing a wholesome and filling meal.
Can I add protein like chicken or sausage?
Cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken would be excellent additions to make the soup even heartier.
What is the best way to reheat the soup?
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.
What should I serve alongside this soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a light side salad, or garlic knots.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, simply double all ingredient amounts and use a larger stock pot for cooking.
What can I use instead of Spike seasoning?
You can use a mix of celery salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs as a substitute.