Spinach & Goat Cheese Bisque

Made it,
Loved it.

Serving size 8

Prep Time 50MIN

Total Time 50MIN

Ingredients

1 Tbsp plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 yellow onions, chopped
½ tsp salt, divided, plus more to taste
2 Tbsp plus 2 cup water, divided
1 tsp dried thyme or 2 teaspoon fresh
1 large Yukon gold potato, peeled and diced
2 Tbsp cream sherry or Marsala
4 cup vegetable broth, store-bough or homemade
24 cup gently packed spinach (about 1 1/4 pound), any tough stems trimmed
pinch of cayenne pepper
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup crumbled fresh goat cheese (2 ounce), plus more for garnish
2 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
soup croutons for garnish (see below)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the onions begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add 2 tablespoons water and thyme and cover. Cook, stirring frequently until the pan cools down, and then occasionally, always covering the pan again, until the onions are greatly reduced and have a deep caramel color, 25 to 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, combine the remaining 2 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large soup pot or Dutch oven; add potato. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook until very soft, 12 to 15 minutes.

3. When the onions are caramelized, stir sherry (or Marsala) into them; add them to the pot along with broth. Return to a simmer. Stir in spinach, cayenne and nutmeg; cover and cook, stirring once, until the spinach is tender but still bright green, about 5 minutes.

4. Remove from the heat, stir in goat cheese, butter and 1 tablespoon lemon juice; allow the butter and cheese to melt. Puree the soup in the pot with an immersion blender until perfectly smooth or in a regular blender in batches (return it to the pot). Taste and add more salt and/or lemon juice, if desired. Serve garnished with a large soup crouton and crumbled goat cheese, if desired.

To make 8 soup croutons: Slice one-fourth of a whole-grain baguette into 8 slices 1/2 inch thick. Melt 1 tablespoon butter; lightly brush on both sides of each slice. Place the slices on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F until the edges are crisp and golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn.

To Make Ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.