If you're on the hunt for a deliciously comforting and nutritious dish, look no further than this Crockpot Spinach Soup with Cucumber! Imagine a warm bowl of vibrant green goodness that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can set your slow cooker to work and come back to a hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready to dive into the world of flavor? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cucumber, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, fresh spinach, diced cucumber, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the crockpot. Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
- Add the 4 cups of fresh spinach to the crockpot. The spinach will wilt down as it cooks, so don't worry if it seems like a lot at first.
- Add the diced cucumber to the crockpot, followed by salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and stir the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the crockpot until smooth, or you can transfer it to a regular blender in batches.
- Serve the soup warm in bowls, garnished with additional diced cucumber or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Crockpot Spinach Soup with Cucumber!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onion and cucumber the night before and store them in the fridge. This way, you can simply toss everything into the crockpot in the morning.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onion and garlic before adding them to the crockpot enhances their flavors and adds depth to your soup.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix in other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrients and flavor variations.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or blend a portion of the soup to create a creamier texture.
- Garnish for Appeal: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with extra diced cucumber, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- Make it a Meal: Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Store Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
