Chez Panisse Spinach Soup

Delight in the velvety elegance of Chez Panisse Spinach Soup, a simple yet sophisticated recipe inspired by the iconic farm-to-table restaurant. This vibrant green soup captures the freshness of tender spinach, enriched with the smoothness of heavy cream and a hint of garlic for a harmonious flavor that’s both light and comforting. A gentle squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil offers an optional touch of richness. Perfect as a starter or a light main course, this quick-to-make soup (ready in just 30 minutes!) is best served warm with a slice of crusty bread. Ideal for lovers of fresh, wholesome ingredients, this recipe highlights seasonal produce with a refined, restaurant-quality touch.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh spinach, cleaned and stems removed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat and add the unsalted butter.

Step 2

Once the butter has melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the vegetable or chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5

Gradually add the spinach to the pot, stirring to wilt it down as you go. This should take about 2-3 minutes as the spinach cooks down to a vibrant green color.

Step 6

Remove the pot from heat and carefully transfer the soup to a blender. Blend the mixture until smooth, working in batches if necessary. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.

Step 7

Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Simmer the soup gently for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Do not let the soup boil once the cream is added.

Step 9

Add the fresh lemon juice just before serving for a bright and zesty finish.

Step 10

Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil for added richness. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1722.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1036.2

Total Fat 91.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 213mg	0%
Sodium 3163.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 39.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.0g	0%
Total Sugars 11.4g
Protein 17.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 542.0mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 3221.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 78.3%

Protein: 6.7%

Carbs: 15.0%