Cream of Spinach Soup

Yes – another GREEN recipe! Now that I am over being sick (and just have an occasional gross cough) Rich’s body decided he wanted to catch what I had. He is pushing through it (and not taking it easy like he tried to force me to do) but like all of us when sick – pretty miserable. I decided to try to pump him full of vitamins and nutritious stuff and figured spinach was a perfect way to do it and since his throat is what is bugging him the most… Spinach Soup it was!

Recipe

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 package frozen spinach
• 1 can evaporated milk (or cream or regular milk)
• 1 can cannellini beans
• dash of hot pepper flakes (to taste)

Soften up your onion and garlic with some oil for about 5 minutes. Then add your frozen spinach & chicken stock. Cook over medium heat until completely defrosted. Add the beans & milk (and hot pepper). Using a stick (immersion) blender (or your regular blender) turn this into a nice thick smooth soup. Taste & season.

Serve this soup with good crusty bread, or biscuits (I used the Pillsbury variety), or a nice salad/sandwich. This soup can also be a good base for adding lots of other items. Think: thickening with some flour, add more garlic & put over pasta OR use as a sauce for baking chicken, OR add some cheese and make a dip, OR add artichokes (to make soup or dip or whatever), OR just have fun – remember what I always say… cooking is an experiment and should be enjoyable, so get in the kitchen and have fun!