Sopa de Pájaro Verde
A vibrant and nutritious green soup from Chile, often made with a base of spinach, parsley, and sometimes other greens, enriched with potatoes, onions, and often cheese or milk for creaminess. It's a comforting and flavorful dish, especially popular in the southern regions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Fresh spinach
- 1 bunch Fresh parsley
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and diced)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1.5 liters Vegetable broth
- 100 ml Milk or heavy cream(optional, for creaminess)
- 2 tbsp Butter or olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 50 g Grated Parmesan cheese(for serving (optional))
👨‍🍳 Instructions
- 1
Wash spinach and parsley thoroughly. Roughly chop them.
đź’ˇ Tip: Ensure all greens are well-rinsed to remove any grit. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- 5
Add the chopped spinach and parsley to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the greens are wilted.
- 6
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (in batches if necessary) or use an immersion blender to purée until smooth. Return the puréed soup to the pot.
đź’ˇ Tip: Be cautious when blending hot liquids. - 7
Stir in milk or cream (if using) and heat gently without boiling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
đź’ˇ Tip: Do not boil after adding milk or cream to prevent curdling. - 8
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
đź’ˇ Tip: A drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the flavor.
đź’ˇ Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can sauté a leek along with the onion.
- âś“If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried, but adjust the quantity.
- âś“This soup can be made ahead and reheated.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth.
- Include a cooked chicken breast or some cooked beans for added protein.
- For a vegan version, omit the milk/cream and cheese, and use olive oil instead of butter.