18 October 2011

Spinach, mint and chili soup


Being the warm weather lover that I am, there is not much to cheer about now that the temperatures are dropping and the days are getting shorter. However, one wonderful exception is the return of warm, hearty, comforting soups! I threw this one together with fresh spinach and mint from the market and it was delicious...especially since we are both spinach lovers! A couple of green chilies and the additional (and optional) red pepper flakes stirred in at the end provided just a note of heat, while the crème fraîche gave it just a bit of tang. We loved the beautiful green color and knowing that we were getting all those great vitamins and antioxidants from the spinach. In other words...warm, spicy, visually appealing and healthy...what's not to love?

SPINACH, MINT & CHILI SOUP
Serves 6

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 small green chillies (Indian type), chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
6 cups vegetable broth
650 grams (about 22 ounces) fresh spinach, washed and torn
Handful of mint, washed and chopped
Salt, to taste (optional)
Crème fraîche, for finishing
Red pepper flakes, for finishing (optional)

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Add the onion, garlic and green chillies and saute until the onion is translucent.

2. Add the potatoes and stir well. Saute until the potatoes just begin to brown, about 5 minutes.

3. Pour in the vegetable broth and increase the heat. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat slightly, cover and simmer until the potatoes are cooked.

4. Add the spinach and mint and simmer for just a couple of minutes (any more than that and you risk losing the nutrients from the spinach).

5. Puree in batches in a blender or food processor. Return to the pot and add salt to taste, if you feel it is necessary.

6. Serve with crème fraîche and red pepper flakes swirled in.

14 comments:

  1. This recipe looks delicious and refreshing! I'll definitely have to try this out.

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  2. What a healthy and beautiful looking soup! Love the addition of the mint.

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  3. This sounds perfect about now! We had our first frost last night and this morning my car was covered. I could have used this while I was trying to stay warm in the car while the frost melted!

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  4. Your soup looks so beautiful! The red pepper flakes look like pomegranate pearls. That's what I thought when I first saw the picture. I am sure it is also very yummy, not to mention nutritious - Mom

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  5. I am so interested in this I have never thought of combining mint with spinach.
    You really managed to maintain a beautiful green

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  6. I love the chili in there - what a fabulous combination. Winter warmer, it certainly is. I'll have to try this for the kids at hallowe'en and stick a frog in it (sorry, plastic - and sorry to sound so awful but this greeeeen soup is so healthy and ideal for them) Fantastic!

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  7. Ramya, This soup looks so inviting, comforting and healthy. I'm intrigued by the flavor profiles and I love how easily it comes together. Congratulations on the Top 9!

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  8. congrats for making it at Top 9, I must say that its a very creative soup with combination of ingredients which will increase the flavors and taste.

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  9. Btw, It looks so tempting that I am going make it for hubby and will get back to you on how much he liked it.

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  10. A gorgeous bowl of emerald goodness! I want some right now! :D

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  11. This is such a beautiful color soup! Great pictures.

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  12. I would have never thought to use mint in a spinach soup - I love it! The use of mint along with green chilies makes this recipe so interesting. Great post!

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  13. Hey Ramya,
    I tried this soup and we all loved it:-)
    Priya

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  14. After reading Priya's review, I made it too a couple of days ago. It was really good! - Mom

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