Green Goddess Soup

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The Green Goddess Soup is a vibrant blend of nutrient-rich vegetables like kale, broccoli, and fennel, all simmered together to create a luscious, smooth bowl of deliciousness. With a touch of cream to add a hint of velvety richness, this soup is not only an immunity-boosting powerhouse but also a flavorful delight that will leave you feeling warm and nourished.

Perfect for a chilly day or when you need a healthy pick-me-up, this soup boasts a rich green color and subtle notes of cumin and allspice, bringing depth to every spoonful. Serve it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted seeds for a delightful crunch, or pair it with a slice of crusty bread to complete the cozy experience.

Full Recipe:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, diced
1 leek (white part only), diced (or use another onion)
1 medium fennel bulb, chopped

2 celery stems, roughly chopped
5 garlic cloves, roughly minced
3/4 tsp all spice powder (or mixed spice)

3/4 tsp cumin powder (or coriander)
1 medium potato, peeled and cut into 1.5 cm cubes
1 head broccoli, florets and peeled stalk chopped

2 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
1.75 liters/quarts water

1 cup frozen peas
5 cups (tightly packed) kale leaves, roughly chopped
5 cups (tightly packed) baby spinach

3/4 cup thickened cream (or alternative)

Garnishes (optional):

2 tbsp sunflower seeds, toasted (or croutons or other toasted nuts)

Cream and/or olive oil for drizzling

Directions:

Sauté aromatics: In a large pot (about 6L/qt), heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the onion, leek, celery, garlic, and fennel for about 5 minutes until softened.

Cook spices: Add all spice and cumin, and cook for an additional minute.
Simmer with vegetables: Add water, potato, broccoli, salt, and pepper. Stir, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 7 minutes until the broccoli and potato are tender.
Add peas: Stir in the peas and simmer for 1 minute.

Blitz in greens: Remove pot from heat. Add kale, pressing it into the hot liquid to wilt, and use a stick blender to blend until smooth. Add the spinach and repeat until the soup reaches your desired smoothness (about 3 to 5 minutes).
Stir in cream: Mix in the cream until well incorporated.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a swirl of cream, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 191 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings

Nutritional Benefits

This Green Goddess Soup is a powerhouse of vitamins and nutrients, making it a great choice for boosting your immune system and keeping you energized. Here are some key highlights:

Kale & Spinach: Both are superfoods packed with vitamins A, C, and K, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. They provide anti-inflammatory benefits and are excellent for heart health.

Broccoli: Known for its high vitamin C content and fiber, broccoli supports digestion and contributes to the soup’s vibrant green color.
Fennel & Celery: These two ingredients add depth to the flavor while contributing to digestive health and reducing inflammation.
Peas & Potato: They provide natural sweetness and a thicker consistency to the soup. Peas are rich in protein and fiber, while potatoes add creaminess and help to make the soup more filling.

Flavor Profile & Cooking Tips

The Green Goddess Soup balances the earthy flavors of the vegetables with subtle spices. Here are some key tips to make the best out of this recipe:

Sauté the Aromatics: A crucial step to enhance the flavors is to sauté the onion, leek, garlic, celery, and fennel. This creates a flavor base for the soup and brings out the natural sweetness of these ingredients.
Adding Spices for Depth: A hint of cumin and allspice adds complexity without overwhelming the taste. Cooking the spices with the aromatics before adding liquid ensures they are well-toasted and more flavorful.

Smooth or Chunky Texture? The soup can be blitzed to a smooth consistency or left slightly chunky for texture. For a perfectly smooth soup, use a countertop blender. For a more rustic, chunky texture, a stick blender will do the trick.
Finishing Touches: Cream adds richness, but the soup can be finished with alternatives like sour cream, crème fraîche, or even a coconut cream for a vegan option. A garnish of toasted sunflower seeds or croutons adds a delightful crunch.

Versatile & Customizable

This soup is highly flexible and customizable based on what ingredients you have on hand. If you need to make some swaps or adjustments, here are some options:

Leeks & Onions: You can use either or both; leeks add a more subtle sweetness compared to the stronger flavor of onions.
Fennel Alternative: While fennel adds a unique flavor, if you don’t have it, try adding extra celery or another green vegetable like zucchini.
Leafy Greens: If kale isn’t available, substitute with more spinach, Swiss chard, or any other dark leafy green.

Spice Mix: The combination of cumin and allspice is key for flavor depth. If you’re missing one, use coriander or a mild curry powder as substitutes.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Big Batch Cooking: This recipe is a big-batch soup, so it’s great for meal prepping. Make it once and enjoy it throughout the week!
Storing & Freezing: The soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. It retains its green color even after reheating, which is not always the case with green soups.

Dietary Adaptations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly. If you want to make it vegan or dairy-free, simply swap the cream for coconut cream, a plant-based cream, or even a spoonful of tahini for added creaminess.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

The Green Goddess Soup is hearty enough to be served as a meal on its own, especially when paired with a slice of crusty bread. You can also serve it as a starter or side dish to complement other mains like roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a simple grain salad.

The Story Behind the Recipe

The soup has an inspiring backstory: it was created to offer a comforting, nutritious meal during the winter months or whenever you need an immune boost. Inspired by a classic green soup shared by the author’s friend, this recipe was adapted and refined to create a balance of taste and nutrition without tasting like a “hot green smoothie.”

Cultural Influences & Inspiration

The Green Goddess Soup draws inspiration from different cultures’ use of greens and aromatics in soups. Here are some cultural connections:

Mediterranean Touch: The use of fennel, olive oil, and spices like cumin and allspice hints at Mediterranean flavors. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes plant-based foods, healthy fats, and fresh herbs—traits reflected in this soup.
Classic French Aromatics: The “mirepoix” (a combination of onion, celery, and leek) in this recipe is a classic French base for soups and stews. Adding fennel elevates this traditional base to give the soup a nuanced flavor.

Modern Wellness Trends: With the increasing focus on health and wellness, nutrient-dense soups like the Green Goddess are becoming popular in wellness circles. Its bright color and fresh taste make it stand out as a revitalizing, detoxifying meal.

Ingredient Spotlight & Nutritional Swaps

Cream Alternatives for Different Preferences

For a Vegan Version: Use coconut cream for a subtle coconut flavor or try a cashew cream for a neutral taste. Simply blend soaked cashews with a bit of water until smooth.
For a Lower-Calorie Option: Replace the cream with low-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt. If using yogurt, add it at the end and stir it in gently off the heat to prevent curdling.

Greens Galore

Superfood Power: Kale and spinach are the core of this soup, making it rich in vitamins A, K, and C, along with iron, calcium, and fiber. Feel free to experiment with other leafy greens like Swiss chard, collard greens, or bok choy to boost your nutrient profile.
Using Seasonal Greens: The flexibility of this recipe means you can use what’s in season or available in your region. Dandelion greens or arugula will add a peppery note, while chard will give a more mellow flavor.

Vegetable Versatility

This soup thrives on adaptability:

Adding Protein: If you want a protein boost, consider adding chickpeas, lentils, or white beans. These will also add more body to the soup, making it more filling.
Additional Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, or even cauliflower. If you like a sweeter taste, add carrots or parsnips for natural sweetness.

Serving Ideas & Garnish Variations

While the basic recipe suggests garnishing with a swirl of cream and sunflower seeds, there are many ways to dress up this soup for visual appeal and added taste:

Spicy Kick: For an extra layer of flavor, add a drizzle of chili oil or sprinkle chili flakes on top.
Herb Finishes: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill will enhance the soup’s freshness. You can also add finely chopped chives or scallions for a mild oniony taste.
Crunchy Toppings: To add crunch, try roasted pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, or toasted croutons seasoned with garlic and herbs. A sprinkling of crispy fried shallots or crispy chickpeas can also be delightful for texture contrast.

Pairing Suggestions for a Balanced Meal

To make the soup part of a complete and balanced meal, here are some pairing ideas:

Bread Pairings: Serve the soup with a side of homemade sourdough, whole wheat flatbread, or a baguette brushed with olive oil and lightly toasted. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are excellent options for dipping.
Salad on the Side: Pair with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside a grain-based salad like quinoa tabbouleh, or a roasted beet and citrus salad for brightness.

Protein Addition: If you want more protein, pair the soup with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or marinated tofu slices for a complete, nourishing meal.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing and reheating the soup is straightforward, but here are some tips to maintain its quality and flavor:

Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors tend to develop and become richer as the soup sits.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
Reheating: When reheating, heat the soup on low-medium to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup thickens too much after storing, add a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency.

Health & Immune-Boosting Aspects

The Green Goddess Soup is perfect for anyone looking to boost their immunity or include more greens in their diet. Here are some of its health benefits:

Rich in Antioxidants: The soup contains kale, spinach, and broccoli—all known for their antioxidant properties, which help fight oxidative stress and support a healthy immune system.
Detoxifying Properties: Leeks, onions, and garlic are known for their detoxifying properties. The allium family (onions, leeks, garlic) supports liver health and boosts the body’s natural detox process.
High Fiber Content: With a base of fibrous vegetables, this soup supports digestive health, aids in detoxification, and keeps you fuller for longer, making it a great meal for those focusing on weight management.

Creative Presentation & Serving Styles

For a more visually appealing presentation, consider the following serving ideas:

Colorful Garnishes: For a pop of color, garnish with finely diced red bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, or a swirl of beetroot puree. These add vibrancy and texture to the soup.
Serve in Fun Bowls: Serve the soup in colorful ceramic bowls, bread bowls, or small mason jars for a creative twist. Garnish the rim of the bowl with herbs or seeds for an artistic touch.

Mini Soup Shooters for Appetizers: For a party or gathering, serve this soup as small “shooters” in tiny cups or shot glasses. Top with microgreens or a dollop of cashew cream for a fun appetizer or amuse-bouche.

Flavor Enhancements & Add-Ins

To take the soup’s flavor up a notch, you can:

Add Citrus Zest: For a fresh zing, grate lemon or lime zest into the soup before serving. This enhances the flavor and balances the richness of the cream.

Stir in Pesto: A spoonful of basil or parsley pesto can be swirled into the soup just before serving for added herbal flavor.
Umami Boosters: If you’re looking for a deeper flavor, add a splash of soy sauce, a teaspoon of miso paste, or even a few drops of Worcestershire sauce. These will elevate the soup’s umami profile.

Conclusion

The Green Goddess Soup is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that balances flavor, health, and comfort in every spoonful. Its flexibility in ingredients and garnishes allows for easy customization, making it suitable for various dietary preferences and occasions. Whether you serve it as a warming main dish, a side, or a fun appetizer, this soup is sure to be a delicious and wholesome addition to any meal, perfect for boosting your immune system and adding a touch of green goodness to your table.