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Spinach Cabbage Soup

Charlie spotted an article by Mark Bittman about making soup, Creamy, Brothy, Earthy, Hearty, in the New York Times.
We started with the Creamy Spinach Soup, made a few adjustments of our own, and this is what we've settled on after making it several times. Very good and fast and easy to make.
Quantities are approximate. There is lots of room for adjustment.
Nothing needs to be finely chopped because in the end it all goes into the blender.
Course Main Course, Soup/Stew
Keyword Mile-High
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 or 2 T olive oil
  • 1 medium or large onion, coarsely chopped
  • 3 or more large cloves garlic, chopped
  • 8 oz fresh spinach
  • 6 oz chopped or shredded fresh cabbage
  • 4 or more cups stock or broth
  • 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. salt (don't use much if broth is salty)
  • 1 cup plain yoghurt
  • 1 to 5 roasted green chiles, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped (amount depends on how spicy you want the soup to be and how hot the chile is) (optional)
  • fresh herbs such as tarragon or basil (optional)
  • balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large pot, bring the stock to a boil.
  • Chop the green chile (if using) and add to stock.
  • In a large skillet, saute onions and garlic in the oil till golden. Add to the stock pot when done.
  • Cook cabbage in the skillet till tender. Won't take long. Add that to the pot.
  • Cook spinach in the skillet till wilted. Will be fast! Add that to the pot.
  • Bring everything to a boil and boil for a few minutes.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Puree everything right in the pot with a hand-held blender. (Can also use regular blender, of course.)
  • Stir in yoghurt (or see variations below).
  • Reheat before serving, but do not bring to a full boil.
  • Optional: If you didn't include green chile, add a little balsamic vinegar. A little adds a nice depth to the soup. Be careful not to overdo.
  • Optional: Chop fresh herbs and put on top of soup. Or, you can put whole leaves of herbs on the table and scissors and let people add their own. (Basil and/or tarragon are highly recommended.)
  • Serve with a dollup of yoghurt on top.

Variations:

  • Use zucchini instead of cabbage. Slice about 1/8 inch thick, coat with olive oil, and roast in 425 oven till slightly browned (stir every 5 minutes till done).
  • Use a large head of broccoli instead of cabbage. Coarsely chop the broccoli. Sautee the broccoli till tender but not over-cooked.
  • Instead of stirring in yoghurt, let people stir in as much as they like at the table.

Variations haven't yet tried, so try at your own risk:

  • Use roasted carrots instead of broccoli.
  • Instead of spinach, use all cabbage or broccoli or roasted zucchini or ...