Goldilocks' Gourmet Spinach Soup
A creamy, savory spinach soup with mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal that appeals to both veggie lovers and cheese enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms, washed, dried and chopped ⓘ
- scallions to taste ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 c. evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. cream cheese, softened and cubed ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. fresh spinach, washed, trimmed, cooked and chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan, then sauté mushrooms and scallions until tender.
- Add flour and stir until the flour is cooked.
- Whisk in chicken broth and then evaporated milk, stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Add salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, cream cheese, and Swiss cheese; stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in cooked and chopped spinach.
- Heat gently and stir very carefully to combine flavors.
- Season to taste and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can blend the soup after adding the spinach. If you're out of Swiss cheese, Gruyère or Monterey Jack are great substitutes. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of lemon juice. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Goldilocks' Gourmet Spinach Soup with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Roasted Glazed Chicken Breast for a delightful dinner. For an elegant touch, garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Goldilocks' Gourmet Spinach Soup contains roughly 1090 calories, with 32g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (87% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), and protein (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1541mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup. This will help maintain the right texture and prevent excess water from diluting the flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute evaporated milk with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk, and use a vegan cream cheese. Adjust the seasonings as needed to complement the flavors of the dairy substitutes.
How can I add more protein to this soup?
For added protein, consider stirring in cooked chicken, turkey, or even some white beans. These additions will not only enhance the nutrition but also make the soup heartier and more satisfying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).