Spinach Soup Recipe (Palak Soup)

Here’s a simple and healthy recipe for Spinach Soup (Palak Soup):

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh spinach (palak), washed and chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small potato, peeled and chopped (for creaminess)
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh cream or a dollop of yogurt (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients:
   • Wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt.
   • Chop the spinach and set aside.
   • Chop the onion, garlic, and tomato.
   • Peel and chop the potato into small pieces.
2. Cook the vegetables:
   • Heat oil or butter in a pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
   • Add the chopped tomato and cook until soft, around 5 minutes.
   • Add the chopped potato and mix it in.
   • Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add the spinach:
   • Add the chopped spinach to the pot. Stir to combine, then cook for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and softens.
4. Cook the soup:
   • Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
5. Blend the soup:
   • Once the vegetables are cooked, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the mixture to a regular blender (in batches) and blend until smooth.
   • If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
6. Final seasoning:
   • After blending, taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If desired, add garam masala and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
7. Serve:
   • Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of fresh cream or yogurt if desired.
   • Serve hot with a side of bread or crackers.

Tips:

• You can add other vegetables like carrots or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
• For a richer taste, use coconut milk or cream instead of regular cream.

Enjoy your warm, nutritious spinach soup!