Chilled spinach chicken soup

Spinach soup is a good source of nutrients. This healthy recipe is also delicious. It features yogurt, chicken and of course spinach. Serve it as an appetizer or light meal.

Ingredients

• 8 cups of fresh spinach
• 2 cups of milk
• 1/2 cup chopped green onion
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 16 oz of plain yogurt
• 1 cup of diced cooked chicken breasts

Ingredients

1. Wash spinach thoroughly. Combine 4 cups of spinach, 1 cup of milk, green onion and dill in a blender. Puree until smooth and then pour into a large bowl.
2. Combine 4 cups of spinach, 1 cup of milk and yogurt in the blender and again puree until smooth.
3. Pour the second mixture into the first. Add the diced cooked chicken and stir until combined.
4. Cover and refrigerate for eight hours. Top with croutons or diced tomatoes, if desired. Serve cold.

Spinach history

Spinach is eaten around the world. It is a durable plant and easy to grow. Though many think of spinach as a Spanish vegetable, its history can be traced back to the Middle East and it may have originated in the areas of Kathmandu. During the early Muslim conquests, the plant was taken and spread to other parts of Asia and some areas in Europe. It is said that spinach was introduced by the Persians to Chinese during the 7th and 8th centuries. Spinach was brought to Spain by the Moors during the times of Islamic Spain and from there slowly spread throughout the rest of Europe. Eventually it made its way from Europe to the United States.

Spinach nutritional value

Spinach is a very diverse food when it comes to nutritional value. It is popularly known for having a high value of iron – perhaps due to Popeye the Sailorman. However, spinach is actually rich in potassium and other nutrients such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C. It is also a good source of folic acid.

Eating spinach

Spinach can be eaten raw, boiled and steamed. It is popular in salads and as a dip for appetizers or chips. However, spinach can also be used in soups, sauces and entrees. In India spinach is prepared as the main course in a meal; Makki di Rotti (boiled spinach with corn flour) is one such dish. In parts of Persia, now modern day Iran and Afghanistan, spinach is prepared as a side dish to go along with rice or mixed in with the rice.

Soup recipes

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• Chilled watermelon cilantro soup
• Kale soup with potatoes and sausage