Savory Spinach and Fennel Soup

Name: Savory Spinach and Fennel Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 1 bulb fennel, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Balanced Eating Ideas

When the weather turns chilly, I can't resist whipping up a warm bowl of Savory Spinach and Fennel Soup. This recipe is a delightful blend of fresh spinach, the aromatic crunch of fennel, and a touch of cream to bring it all together. As I prepare it, the tantalizing scents fill the kitchen, making it hard to wait for the first spoonful. What I love most about this dish is how its flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting meal that's not just quick to make but also packed with nutrition.

Created by

Sophia

Last updated on 2026-01-30T05:07:28.884Z

Every time I make this soup, I'm reminded of a cozy restaurant I visited that served a similar dish. The combination of spinach and fennel was a revelation to me. I decided to experiment with the flavors at home, and after a few tries, I landed on a recipe that's both simple and satisfying. The key is to sauté the fennel gently, allowing it to develop its natural sweetness before adding the spinach.

This soup is perfect for a light lunch or as a starter before dinner. A touch of cream at the end gives it a luscious finish. I often serve it with crusty bread, making it a complete meal. Whenever I share this soup with friends, they always ask for the recipe!

Why You'll Love This Soup
Aromatically pleasing with the unique flavor of fennel
Packed with nutrients from fresh spinach
Creamy texture that makes every spoonful comforting
Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights

Understanding Fennel's Role

Fennel, with its distinct anise-like flavor, plays a crucial role in this soup, adding a layer of aromatic complexity that brightens the dish. When sautéed, fennel mellows significantly, contributing a sweet, earthy note that complements the freshness of the spinach. Make sure to chop the fennel bulb finely to ensure even cooking and to prevent any large chunks from overpowering the texture of the soup.

If you're not accustomed to the flavor of fennel, don't worry—its presence is subtle and rounds out the overall taste of the soup without dominating it. You can experiment by starting with half the amount of fennel and gradually increasing it until you find the balance you enjoy most.

Perfecting Creaminess

The addition of heavy cream creates a comforting, velvety texture in the soup. For a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk, which will still provide creaminess without the full richness of heavy cream. If you prefer a vegan option, a cashew cream made by blending soaked cashews with water can also work well, offering a similar texture with a hint of nuttiness.

To integrate the cream effectively, be sure to remove the soup from heat before adding it. This step prevents the cream from curdling, maintaining a smooth consistency. Stirring the cream in gradually allows the temperatures to adjust harmoniously, creating a unified flavor throughout.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This soup is ideal for meal prep! You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions; just ensure it's fully cooled before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. The soup can be reheated gently on the stove over low heat, helping to preserve its creamy texture without causing it to separate.

For serving, I love pairing this soup with a slice of crusty sourdough bread or a sprinkle of spicy red pepper flakes to elevate the flavors. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for brightness or top with croutons for an added crunch.

Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 bulb fennel, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped fennel. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.

Add Garlic and Spinach

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, add the chopped spinach, stirring until wilted.

Combine with Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Blend and Add Cream

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with your favorite crusty bread.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. A touch more cream can also enhance the richness without overwhelming the flavor balance. Conversely, if it is too thin, simmering it uncovered for a few minutes will help reduce it to the right texture.

In case the soup lacks flavor, first check the seasoning—adding a pinch more salt can elevate the overall taste significantly. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also brighten the flavor if you want to incorporate an additional layer without overpowering the existing ingredients.

Variations to Try

Consider adding additional vegetables like potatoes or carrots for more heartiness and nutrition. Simply chop them into small pieces and sauté them alongside the onion and fennel until tender. This change can transform the soup into an even more filling meal perfect for chilly nights.

For a spicier version, include a touch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage. Alternatively, a few dashes of hot sauce stirred in at the end can introduce a kick without compromising the creamy nature of the soup. Experimenting with these variations can elevate the dish to suit your preferences.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're looking to make a larger batch for a gathering, this recipe doubles well. Just use a larger pot and carefully measure out all ingredients. Keep an eye on cooking times, as a larger volume may take slightly longer to reach a simmer.

On the flip side, if you want to make a smaller portion, you can easily halve the ingredients. However, saving any leftover broth or cream for future use in other recipes can help reduce waste and keep your meal planning efficient.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a simple salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a heartier meal.