Are you craving a soul-warming, nutritious dish that combines the earthy goodness of spinach with the comforting texture of rice? Look no further! This Italian-inspired Spinach and Rice Soup is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a magical pot of green goodness that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: fresh spinach, rice, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Once cleaned, roughly chop the spinach and set it aside.
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion.
- Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent it from browning.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Next, add 1 cup of rice to the pot and stir well to coat the rice with the oil, onion, and garlic mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
- Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and stir to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- After the rice is cooked, add the chopped spinach to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the spinach into the soup.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and is tender.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Spinach and Rice Soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose fresh, vibrant spinach for the best flavor and nutritional punch. Organic spinach works wonderfully if available.
- Toast the rice briefly before adding broth to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, but feel free to substitute with chicken broth for added depth.
- For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese when serving.
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some texture.
- This soup freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for a quick future meal.
- For added protein, consider stirring in some cooked white beans or diced chicken before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
