O'Reilly'S St. Patrick'S Day Green Soup
A vibrant, creamy green soup perfect for celebrating St. Patrick's Day or any occasion. Bright flavors from fresh spinach, broccoli, and herbs combine with rich chicken broth and cream for a comforting, healthful dish that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash spinach under cold, running water. Break off and discard coarse stems.
- Drain and pat dry with paper towels, then coarsely chop.
- Wash broccoli under cold, running water. Trim off and discard small green leaves on stalk. Coarsely chop top and tender stem.
- Wash, dry, and chop parsley and celery.
- In a large pot, melt butter or margarine over medium heat.
- Add flour to the melted butter and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually stir in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add chopped spinach, broccoli, parsley, and celery to the soup. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream or half and half, heat through without boiling, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant green color, ensure the spinach and broccoli are added just before serving. You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside some of Suzannne'S Juicy Chicken for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this may affect the creaminess of the soup.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of O'Reilly'S St. Patrick'S Day Green Soup contains roughly 638 calories, with 7g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 683mg per serving (30% 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 ensure it's thawed and drained well before adding it to the soup. It may alter the texture slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it heat through before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! You can incorporate other greens like kale or Swiss chard, or even add peas or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose.
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).