Crema De Espinacas
I still remember the first time I had Crema De Espinacas at my abuela's house in Guadalajara. The creamy texture and the deep flavor of the roasted spinach and onions had me hooked from the very first spoonful. As I grew older, I realized that this soup was more than just a delicious meal - it was a way to connect with my heritage and my family's traditions. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make authentic Crema De Espinacas at home, using ingredients that are easily accessible and techniques that are simple to master.
Crema De Espinacas is a classic Mexican soup that originated in the central region of the country. It's a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. The key to making great Crema De Espinacas is to use high-quality ingredients and to take the time to roast the spinach and onions until they're caramelized and fragrant.
In this recipe, we'll use a combination of fresh spinach, onions, garlic, and chicken broth to create a rich and creamy soup. We'll also add some heavy cream and grated cheese to give the soup a luxurious texture and flavor. Whether you're a fan of Mexican cuisine or just looking for a new recipe to try, I'm confident that you'll love this Crema De Espinacas.
One of the things that I love about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course, or as a side dish to complement other Mexican dishes like tacos or enchiladas. You can also customize the recipe to suit your tastes by adding different spices or ingredients. For example, you could add some diced chicken or steak to make the soup more substantial, or you could add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to add more flavor and texture.
No matter how you choose to serve it, I'm confident that this Crema De Espinacas recipe will become a favorite in your household. It's a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion, and it's a great way to connect with your heritage and your family's traditions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
- It's a great way to connect with your heritage and your family's traditions
- The soup is creamy and luxurious, making it perfect for special occasions
- It's a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your tastes
- It's a comforting and delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion
- It's a great way to use up fresh spinach and other ingredients
- It's a healthy and nutritious recipe that's packed with vitamins and minerals
Why This Recipe Works
The key to making great Crema De Espinacas is to use high-quality ingredients and to take the time to roast the spinach and onions until they're caramelized and fragrant. This process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds a deep, rich flavor to the soup. We'll also use a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream to create a creamy and luxurious texture.
Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of aromatics like garlic and onion. These ingredients add a depth of flavor to the soup that's hard to replicate with other ingredients. We'll sauté the garlic and onion until they're soft and fragrant, then add the roasted spinach and chicken broth to create a rich and flavorful soup.
Finally, we'll use a combination of grated cheese and heavy cream to add a luxurious texture and flavor to the soup. The cheese will melt into the soup and add a creamy, velvety texture, while the heavy cream will add a richness and depth of flavor that's hard to replicate with other ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Crema De Espinacas recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredient is fresh spinach, which we'll roast in the oven until it's caramelized and fragrant. We'll also use some onions, garlic, and chicken broth to create a rich and flavorful soup. Finally, we'll add some heavy cream and grated cheese to give the soup a luxurious texture and flavor.
When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. The spinach should be crisp and fresh, with no signs of wilting or yellowing. The onions and garlic should be firm and free of blemishes, and the chicken broth should be low-sodium and made with high-quality ingredients.
- 2 lbs (900g) fresh spinachFresh spinach is essential for this recipe, as it adds a bright and fresh flavor to the soup. Look for crisp and fresh leaves with no signs of wilting or yellowing.
- 1 large onion, choppedThe onion adds a sweet and caramelized flavor to the soup, which pairs perfectly with the roasted spinach. Look for a firm and fresh onion with no signs of blemishes.
- 3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a deep and rich flavor to the soup, which complements the spinach and onion perfectly. Look for firm and fresh cloves with no signs of sprouting.
- 4 cups (1L) chicken brothChicken broth is the base of the soup, and it adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. Look for low-sodium broth made with high-quality ingredients.
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy creamHeavy cream adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the soup, which pairs perfectly with the roasted spinach and onion. Look for high-quality cream with a high fat content.
- 1/2 cup (120g) grated cheeseGrated cheese adds a rich and creamy flavor to the soup, which complements the spinach and onion perfectly. Look for high-quality cheese with a mild flavor.
- 1 tsp (5g) dried thymeDried thyme adds a subtle and herbaceous flavor to the soup, which pairs perfectly with the spinach and onion. Look for high-quality thyme with a fresh and aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the soup and adds a touch of savory flavor. Look for high-quality salt with a mild flavor.
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle and spicy flavor to the soup, which complements the spinach and onion perfectly. Look for high-quality pepper with a fresh and aromatic flavor.
- 2 tbsp (30g) butterButter adds a rich and creamy flavor to the soup, which pairs perfectly with the roasted spinach and onion. Look for high-quality butter with a mild flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Crema De Espinacas
- 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the spinach and remove the stems. Place the spinach on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized and fragrant.
- 2While the spinach is roasting, heat the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- 4Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the soup has reduced slightly.
- 5Remove the spinach from the oven and add it to the pot. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- 6Add the heavy cream to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
- 7Stir in the grated cheese until melted and smooth. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- 8Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional grated cheese and a sprinkle of thyme if desired.
- 9Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 10Serve the soup in bowls and enjoy. You can also serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a more filling meal.
- 11To make the soup more substantial, you can add cooked chicken, steak, or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
- 12Experiment with different spices and ingredients to customize the recipe to your taste. For example, you can add a pinch of cumin or paprika to give the soup a smoky flavor.
Expert Tips
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the spinach, as it can become bitter and unappetizing.
- Use a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream to create a rich and creamy soup.
- Add the grated cheese slowly and stir constantly to prevent it from clumping.
- Experiment with different spices and ingredients to customize the recipe to your taste.
- Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional grated cheese and a sprinkle of thyme if desired.
- Consider adding cooked chicken, steak, or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers to make the soup more substantial.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the spinach, which can make it bitter and unappetizing.
- Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a lackluster flavor and texture.
- Not letting the soup rest before serving, which can prevent the flavors from melding together.
- Adding too much cheese, which can make the soup overly rich and heavy.
- Not seasoning the soup adequately, which can result in a bland and unappetizing flavor.
- Not using a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream, which can result in a lackluster texture and flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add cooked chicken, steak, or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers to make the soup more substantial.
- Experiment with different spices and ingredients, such as cumin or paprika, to customize the recipe to your taste.
- Use different types of cheese, such as feta or Parmesan, to add a unique flavor to the soup.
- Add some heat to the soup by incorporating diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.
- Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of heavy cream to create a lighter and healthier version of the soup.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to add a fresh and bright flavor to the soup.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.
What to Serve With Crema De Espinacas
Serve the Crema De Espinacas hot, garnished with additional grated cheese and a sprinkle of thyme if desired. You can also serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a more filling meal. Consider adding a side salad or a side of steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
The soup is also delicious served with a variety of other dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. You can also use it as a base for other soups, such as creamy tomato soup or broccoli soup.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
The Crema De Espinacas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. To freeze, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer.
To reheat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through.
It's also a good idea to label and date the container or bag, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored. When reheating, make sure to heat the soup to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of spinach is best for this recipe?
Fresh spinach is best for this recipe, as it adds a bright and fresh flavor to the soup. Look for crisp and fresh leaves with no signs of wilting or yellowing.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While frozen spinach can be used, it's not recommended, as it can be watery and lacking in flavor. Fresh spinach is best for this recipe.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
A mild cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar, is best for this recipe, as it adds a rich and creamy flavor to the soup without overpowering the other ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting any meat or animal products.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free chicken broth and omitting any gluten-containing ingredients.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?
To prevent the soup from becoming too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or water to thin it out. You can also add a splash of cream or milk to add richness and creaminess to the soup.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Simply reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
How do I reheat the soup without it becoming too hot?
To reheat the soup without it becoming too hot, you can reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through.

Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) fresh spinach
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (1L) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120g) grated cheese
- 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp (2g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the spinach and remove the stems. Place the spinach on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until caramelized and fragrant.
- While the spinach is roasting, heat the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the soup has reduced slightly.
- Remove the spinach from the oven and add it to the pot. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Add the heavy cream to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir in the grated cheese until melted and smooth. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional grated cheese and a sprinkle of thyme if desired.
- Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the soup in bowls and enjoy. You can also serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a more filling meal.
- To make the soup more substantial, you can add cooked chicken, steak, or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Experiment with different spices and ingredients to customize the recipe to your taste. For example, you can add a pinch of cumin or paprika to give the soup a smoky flavor.