This traditional Spenot Kremleves offers a comforting, velvety texture that warms the soul on chilly evenings. The deep green hue comes from fresh spinach, which is pureed to create a smooth base, while a roux made with chicken fat adds a distinct, savory richness. Light cream softens the flavor profile, resulting in a luxurious mouthfeel. Topped with sliced hard-boiled eggs and crisp bacon, it provides a satisfying balance of protein and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a hearty starter, this soup bridges the gap between rustic home cooking and elegant presentation. It is simple to prepare using pantry staples, yet delivers a complex, aromatic experience that highlights the natural sweetness of the spinach.
Spenot Kremleves (Cream Of Spinach Soup
Description
This traditional Spenot Kremleves offers a comforting, velvety texture that warms the soul on chilly evenings. The deep green hue comes from fresh spinach, which is pureed to create a smooth base, while a roux made with chicken fat adds a distinct, savory richness. Light cream softens the flavor profile, resulting in a luxurious mouthfeel. Topped with sliced hard-boiled eggs and crisp bacon, it provides a satisfying balance of protein and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a hearty starter, this soup bridges the gap between rustic home cooking and elegant presentation. It is simple to prepare using pantry staples, yet delivers a complex, aromatic experience that highlights the natural sweetness of the spinach.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the salt and the well-washed spinach.
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Cook the spinach for 5 minutes until wilted and tender.
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Drain the spinach, reserving the cooking liquid. Set the liquid aside to cool slightly.
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Puree the cooked spinach in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. Alternatively, rub the spinach through a fine mesh strainer to create a pulp.
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In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the chicken fat over medium heat.
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Add the minced onions and saut&# 195;© until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the flour is fragrant and lightly golden.
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Gradually stir in 1 cup of the reserved cool spinach liquid, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
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Stir in the remaining reserved spinach liquid and the pureed spinach.
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Bring the soup to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
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Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the light cream until fully incorporated.
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Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with slices of hard-boiled egg and crumbled crisp bacon.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 724.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 55.6g86%
- Saturated Fat 29.9g150%
- Cholesterol 505.8mg169%
- Sodium 5198.2mg217%
- Total Carbohydrate 34.8g12%
- Dietary Fiber 6.5g26%
- Sugars 7.9g
- Protein 25.4g51%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Bacon Preparation: The original recipe mentions "Bacon crumbles" in the directions but does not list bacon in the ingredients. Cook thick-cut bacon in a skillet until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble. Reserve some bacon grease if you wish to substitute part of the chicken fat for added flavor.
Chicken Fat Substitute: If you do not have chicken fat (schmaltz), you can substitute with butter or olive oil. Butter will provide a rich, creamy flavor similar to the traditional version.
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling.
Variations: For a richer version, substitute heavy cream for light cream. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or white pepper for extra depth.
Texture Tip: For an ultra-smooth soup, ensure the spinach is pureed thoroughly or pressed through a sieve. This removes any fibrous strings and creates a luxurious consistency.