Creamy Fennel and Greens Soup

A luxurious vegetable soup featuring tender fennel, mixed dark leafy greens, and baby spinach, finished with cream and a bright touch of lemon. This elegant soup combines the subtle anise flavor of fennel with nutrient-rich greens in a smooth, creamy base.

6 servings
54 min

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 whole fennel bulb
  • 1 whole small onion
  • 1 pound mixed dark leafy greens
  • 6 cups water
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 to taste fennel fronds

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat oil and butter in a 6-quart heavy pot over medium heat until foam subsides. Add fennel, onion, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, 7 to 8 minutes.

    8 min

  2. 2.

    Add leafy greens (but not spinach) and water to pot and simmer, covered, until greens are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook, uncovered, just until wilted, about 1 minute.

    31 min

  3. 3.

    Purée soup in batches in a blender (use caution when blending hot liquids) until smooth, then return to pot. Stir in cream and lemon juice and reheat over low heat. Season with salt.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Soup can be made 2 days ahead and chilled (covered once cool). Reheat or serve cold.

    5 min

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