Spinach Soup

Thank you Pioneer Woman for showing me this green delicacy! PW's spinach soup looked much greener and tasty, but I guess that's why she has a cookbook! Despite my "chunky" looking spinach soup, it was still delicious.

If you have an Aldi in your area you must go. A bag of spinach is .64 cents (regular price)!

The green color was so beautiful that I stared at it over and over and over again.

Here's the recipe. Don't forget to check your teeth after eating a couple of bowls!

Ingredients

* 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
* 10 ounces, weight Spinach
* 2 cloves Garlic, Finely Minced
* 4 Tablespoons Butter
* ½ whole Medium Onion
* ¼ cups Flour
* 5 cups Whole Milk
* 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
* ½ teaspoons Cayenne Pepper (Optional)
* Freshly Ground Black Pepper
* 4 ounces, weight Gruyere Cheese, Grated (other Cheeses Are Fine)

Preparation Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive over over medium heat. Add spinach and garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, or until wilted. Add spinach to a blender or food processor. Pour in 1/4 cup hot water and pulse until pureed. Set aside.

In a large soup pot, cook onion in butter over medium heat until onions begin to soften. Sprinkle flour over the top and stir to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes, then pour in milk, stirring occasionally. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in pureed spinach, then cook another 3 to 5 minutes until thickened.

Check seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed. Serve in a bowl. Add a little grated Gruyere.