Oh, let me tell you all about this delightful gem of a recipe I adore – French Spring Soup! This dish holds a special place in my heart (and kitchen) because it embodies everything I love about spring: freshness, color, and the feeling of celebration after the long, dreary winter. The very first time I made this soup, it was a rainy day, and I was craving something that screamed warmth and rejuvenation. As I prepared the ingredients, I could almost hear the whispers of the springtime flowers blooming outside my window. It’s a mood-lifter, I promise!
French Spring Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl – full of vibrant vegetables and smooth, creamy goodness, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a cozy dinner. Not to mention, it’s an excellent way to use up those seasonal veggies that start popping up at farmers’ markets! Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so scrumptious!
What’s in French Spring Soup?
Let’s break down the ingredients that come together to create this heavenly soup symphony:
Olive Oil: This liquid gold is essential for sautéing the veggies and adds a lovely depth of flavor. I always use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil—it makes a world of difference!
Onion: Diced onions provide that aromatic base you simply can’t skip. When they’re sautéed, they bring a savory sweetness that sets the tone for the entire soup.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a kick of flavor that brings everything to life. Honestly, what dish isn’t improved with a hint of garlic?
Carrots & Celery: These diced veggies are classic staples in many soups. They add crunch, sweetness, and a beautiful pop of color.
Leek: With its delicate, slightly sweet onion flavor, leeks truly elevate this soup. If you’ve never used them before, now is the time!
Asparagus & Green Beans: Whatever the season, tender-crisp veggies like these make for a perfect spring dish. They add lovely texture and inviting vibrant hues.
Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth forms the soup’s flavorful base. I always lean towards low-sodium options, so I can control the seasoning later.
Heavy Cream: Ah, the secret to creaminess! A splash of heavy cream transforms this soup into a dreamy experience. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
Fresh Spinach: This beautiful green adds nutrition and vibrancy, wilting perfectly to enrich the soup without taking over the flavor.
Pasta: Small pasta shapes, like ditalini or orzo, make this soup heartier and more satisfying. Plus, they soak up all that delicious broth!
Fresh Thyme: Thyme brings an earthy aroma and is one of those herbs I just can’t get enough of. If you have fresh thyme on hand, definitely use it!
Fresh Parsley: Not just for looks! Parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery finish that complements the soup beautifully.
Is French Spring Soup Good for You?
Absolutely! This delightful pot of goodness is loaded with nutritional benefits.
Vegetables: Each vegetable in this soup contributes vitamins and minerals. For example, carrots are packed with beta-carotene, while asparagus is high in folate. And let’s not forget about the spinach—it’s a superfood with a ton of iron!
Olive Oil: Using healthy fats like olive oil provides antioxidants and can promote heart health.
That said, keep an eye on the heavy cream if you’re watching your fat intake. You could substitute with a lighter cream or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option if desired.
So, whether you’re looking for a cozy meal or just want to pile on those veggies, this soup is your go-to!
Ingredients List
You’ll need the following for this beautiful soup, which serves about 4-6 people:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 large carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 leek, sliced
– 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make French Spring Soup?
Now that you’re all set with the ingredients, let’s roll up our sleeves and make this delightful soup!
1. First things first, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes—hello, that smell!
2. Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until those veggies start to soften.
3. Here comes the fun part: Add in the sliced leek, asparagus, and green beans. Keep stirring occasionally while everything cooks together for about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in that flavorful broth and raise the heat until it’s bubbling away. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender goodies.
5. Time to add in the heavy cream and pasta! Stir it in and cook according to the pasta’s package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes—perfectly al dente, mmm!
6. Toss in the fresh spinach and thyme. Stir until the spinach wilts down beautifully.
7. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a little taste test to see if it needs a pinch more!
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy this bowl of joy and let it warm your soul.
Savor Every Last Drop!
I can’t help but let my excitement spill over when I talk about variations for this soup! Feel free to toss in any seasonal veggies you love or add a protein like shredded chicken or chickpeas for some extra oomph. And if you’re a fan of a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes!
So, grab your favorite spoon and dig into this beautiful French Spring Soup! I can’t wait for you to try it—it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished staple in your home. When you do, let me know how it goes! Cooking is all about sharing experiences, and I’d love to hear yours! Happy cooking!
