Elevate Your Cooking With This Easy Spinach Soup Recipe

Palak Soup, or Spinach Soup, is a nutritious and comforting dish made by saut ing spinach with aromatics like garlic and onions, then simmering it with spices and blending until smooth. This creamy soup is often thickened with gram flour and can be garnished with cream for added richness. It's a wholesome choice for a light meal or appetizer.

Palak Soup, also known as Spinach Soup, is a nutritious and comforting dish made by saut ing spinach with aromatics like garlic and onions, then blending it into a smooth puree. This vibrant green soup is often thickened with gram flour and can be enriched with cream for added richness. It's typically seasoned with spices such as cumin and bay leaf to enhance its flavor. Serving it hot, garnished with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, makes for a delightful and healthy appetizer or light meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon gram flour (besan)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cups water or vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh cream for garnish

Instructions:

• Saute Aromatics:
  • Heat the olive oil or butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the bay leaf and saut for a few seconds until fragrant.
  • Incorporate the minced garlic and cook until it turns light brown, ensuring it doesn't burn.
  • Add the chopped onions and saut until they become translucent and soft.
• Add Spinach:
  • Introduce the chopped spinach to the pan. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.
  • Season with ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
• Incorporate Gram Flour:
  • Sprinkle the gram flour over the spinach mixture. This will help thicken the soup and add a subtle nutty flavor.
  • Stir continuously to ensure the gram flour is evenly distributed and doesn't form lumps.
• Simmer the Soup:
  • Pour in the water or vegetable stock, stirring to combine all ingredients.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Blend to Perfection:
  • Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
  • Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a countertop blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the saucepan.
• Final Seasoning and Serving:
  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  • If using, stir in the fresh cream to add richness to the soup.
  • Serve the palak soup hot, garnished with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Tips:

• Optional Additions: For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating a small piece of ginger during the saut ing process.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair this soup with crusty bread or croutons for a complete meal.
• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

This palak soup recipe offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.