Green Goddess Herb Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Green Goddess Herb Soup is a delightful way to enjoy the freshness of various herbs and leafy greens. This vibrant soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great choice for anyone looking to boost their vegetable intake. The combination of fresh parsley, dill, basil, and cilantro gives this soup its signature taste, while the spinach adds a lovely green hue and additional vitamins.

Making this soup at home is easy and satisfying, allowing you to control the ingredients and make it suited to your taste. Whether you are following a vegetarian diet or simply love a good herbal flavor, this recipe is perfect for a light lunch or a comforting dinner. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, taking just under an hour to make from start to finish.

This soup can be enjoyed warm or even chilled, making it versatile for all seasons. Paired with crusty bread or a simple salad, it can be a hearty meal all on its own. Whether you serve it for family dinner or as a starter at a gathering, Green Goddess Herb Soup is sure to impress.

How to Make Green Goddess Herb Soup

Making Green Goddess Herb Soup is an easy process that anyone can follow. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, take a moment to gather all your ingredients before you start cooking. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need and the steps to create this delicious soup.

Ingredients:

• Fresh parsley
• Fresh dill
• Fresh basil
• Fresh cilantro
• Spinach
• Garlic
• Leeks
• Vegetable broth
• Cream (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper

Directions:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the leeks and mince the garlic. Rinse the spinach and herbs under cold water to remove any dirt.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped leeks and minced garlic. Sauté them until they are soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

3. Cook the Greens: Add the spinach, parsley, dill, basil, and cilantro to the pot. Cook these herbs down, stirring often, until they are wilted and nicely combined with the leeks and garlic. This step enhances the flavors as the herbs release their aromas.

4. Add the Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Blend the Soup: After simmering, it’s time to make the soup smooth. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend it until you achieve a creamy and uniform texture.

6. Add Cream (Optional): If you like a richer, creamier soup, stir in the cream at this point. Mix well and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve: Your Green Goddess Herb Soup is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with extra fresh herbs if you desire.

How to Serve Green Goddess Herb Soup

Serving your Green Goddess Herb Soup can be a fun experience. You can keep it simple or dress it up depending on the occasion.

1. Warm Bowls: Serve the soup hot in warmed bowls. This will keep the soup warm for longer and enhance the experience.

2. Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs on top for a pop of color and aroma. You can also drizzle a little olive oil or add a dollop of cream for extra richness.

3. Accompaniments: Pair the soup with crusty bread or garlic toast. A side salad with light vinaigrette can balance the meal perfectly. Additionally, chips or crackers can add a nice crunch.

4. Make It a Meal: If you wish to make it a more filling option, consider adding boiled eggs, grilled chicken, or even legumes. This way, you can have a complete meal ready to satisfy your hunger.

5. Chilled Variation: For a refreshing twist, serve the soup chilled during warm months. Just allow it to cool down after blending, then refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This will bring out the bright flavors of the herbs.

How to Store Green Goddess Herb Soup

Storing Green Goddess Herb Soup is straightforward. If you have leftovers or wish to make a batch ahead of time, follow these steps:

1. Cool Down: Allow the soup to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes after cooking. It’s important not to put hot soup directly into the fridge as it can raise the temperature inside and affect other food.

2. Choose Your Containers: Transfer the soup to airtight containers. Glass containers are great for this but plastic can work too. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container since liquids expand as they freeze.

3. Refrigeration: In the refrigerator, Green Goddess Herb Soup will last about 3-4 days. Be sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track.

4. Freezing: If you need longer storage, this soup freezes well. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just ensure that the soup is fully cooled before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, let the soup thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

5. Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.

Tips to Make Green Goddess Herb Soup

Creating a delicious Green Goddess Herb Soup is easy with a few careful tips:

1. Herb Quality: Use fresh herbs whenever possible. The flavor and aroma of fresh herbs are unbeatable compared to dried ones. If you can, grow your own herbs for the freshest taste.

2. Blend Well: Make sure to blend the soup thoroughly for a creamy texture. If using a regular blender, be cautious not to fill it too much; blend in batches if necessary.

3. Tasting for Seasoning: Always taste the soup before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference, as the amount needed can vary depending on the broth you use.

4. Add a Protein: If you want a heartier soup, try adding cooked quinoa, lentils, or chickpeas. These can complement the flavors and make the dish more filling.

5. Experiment with Acidity: A little splash of lemon juice or vinegar can brighten the flavors even more. Add it in small amounts at the end and adjust to your taste.

Variation

Green Goddess Herb Soup has plenty of room for customization. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

1. Creamy Mushroom Variation: Add sliced mushrooms along with the leeks and garlic. This will create an earthy depth to the flavor and pair excellently with the herbs.

2. Spicy Version: For those who enjoy a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the garlic and leeks. This small addition can significantly change up the flavor profile.

3. Nutty Flavor: For a nutty twist, consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts during the blending process. This adds texture and a unique flavor element.

4. Coconut Version: Substitute the vegetable broth with light coconut milk for an exotic twist. This will change the flavor and make it a bit sweeter, giving South Asian or tropical vibes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen herbs for this recipe?

Yes, frozen herbs can be used, but the flavor might not be as vibrant compared to fresh ones. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs, as they often have a stronger flavor.

What can I substitute for the cream?

You can use coconut cream or cashew cream as a dairy-free alternative. Greek yogurt can also be used for a tangy flavor while still keeping it creamy without adding too many calories.

Can I make this soup in advance for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it and store it in the refrigerator or freeze portions. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat.

How do I increase the thickness of the soup?

To make the soup thicker, you can add a potato or two while you simmer the broth. Blending it will give a creamier texture. Alternatively, adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water can also help.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes, as written (without cream), this recipe is vegan. Ensure that any broth you use is also vegetable-based and labeled vegan to keep it within those dietary guidelines.

Embrace the freshness and vibrant flavors of Green Goddess Herb Soup. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that brings the goodness of healthy ingredients right to your table! Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different herbs and add-ins. Enjoy your cooking journey!

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