How to Make Turkish Spinach Soup (Ispanak Corbasi)
Turkish Spinach Soup, known as Ispanak Çorbası, is a delicious and healthy dish that features fresh spinach, creamy yogurt, and aromatic spices. This traditional Turkish soup is not only nourishing but also easy to prepare. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make the perfect Ispanak Çorbası at home.
Ingredients
- 500g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup plain yogurt for garnish
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Stir in the diced potato and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. After that, add the chopped spinach to the pot and cook until it wilts down, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Combine with Broth
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender in batches.
Step 5: Serve the Soup
After blending, return the soup to low heat and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve the Ispanak Çorbası hot, topped with a dollop of plain yogurt and garnished with fresh dill or parsley for an extra touch of flavor.
Tips for Preparing Ispanak Çorbası
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of cream or milk before serving.
- Experiment with different spices such as cumin or coriander for a unique flavor twist.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for later use.
Turkish Spinach Soup is a wholesome and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. It's perfect for chilly days or whenever you're craving something nutritious. Enjoy making this simple yet flavorful soup that showcases the delightful tastes of Turkish cuisine!