Description
Creamy spinach cheddar soup delivers a comforting embrace of green goodness and sharp cheese flavors. Rich Wisconsin cheddar and fresh spinach blend into a smooth, velvety bowl that warms souls and satisfies hunger with each hearty spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Fats:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, enhances warmth)
Instructions
- Initiate the flavor foundation by gently melting butter in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, allowing the fat to spread evenly across the surface.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the melted butter, stirring continuously and allowing the aromatics to soften and release their fragrant essence, which typically requires approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Stream the liquid broth into the pot, elevating the temperature to create a gentle simmering environment that will enhance the soup’s depth.
- Carefully fold fresh spinach leaves into the simmering liquid, watching them gracefully wilt and transform into a vibrant emerald hue, which occurs within 2-3 minutes.
- Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender, methodically pureeing the mixture until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a standard blender, processing in measured batches before returning to the cooking vessel.
- Reduce the heat to a minimal setting, introducing shredded cheddar cheese and rich cream into the verdant liquid. Gently whisk the ingredients, allowing the cheese to melt seamlessly and create a luxurious, smooth presentation.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile that celebrates the soup’s delicate ingredients.
Notes
- Boost veggie content by adding extra leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard to increase nutritional value and create interesting texture variations.
- Customize dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and using vegan cheddar cheese for a plant-based friendly version that maintains creamy consistency.
- Control soup thickness by adjusting broth quantity – less liquid creates a heartier texture, while more produces a lighter, more delicate soup consistency.
- Enhance flavor complexity by roasting garlic and onions before adding to the soup, which develops deeper, more caramelized undertones and adds subtle smoky dimensions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg