If you’re craving a bowl of something both nourishing and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Spinach Coconut Milk Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a silky, creamy soup where fresh, bright green spinach meets the subtle sweetness of coconut milk, all wrapped in warming, aromatic spices that gently awaken your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner to soothe your soul, this naturally vegan, dairy-free soup feels like a cozy hug in a bowl that’s surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully straightforward yet essential to bringing the Spinach Coconut Milk Soup Recipe to life. Each one plays a vital role: the oils create a lovely base for sautéing, the spices add warmth and depth, the spinach delivers fresh vibrancy, while the coconut milk lends a creamy richness that’s simply irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil: Adds a smooth, healthy fat base perfect for sautéing your aromatics.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle savory backbone to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a punch of savory flavor and aroma that wakes up the dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Offers a zesty brightness that perfectly complements the creamy coconut milk.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy hint that grounds the soup.
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander: Enhances the soup with a gentle citrus undertone.
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric: Infuses a golden hue and subtle earthiness, plus lots of health benefits.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat and sharpness.
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Balances and elevates all the other flavors.
- 4 cups fresh spinach, packed: The star leafy green that brings freshness, color, and nutrition.
- 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) coconut milk: Provides rich creaminess without dairy, making this soup luscious and smooth.
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water: Forms the base liquid, contributing to the texture and flavor depth.
- 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice: Brightens up the whole dish with a refreshing citrus zing.
- Optional: red chili flakes or green chili, to taste: Adds a spicy kick if you like your soup with a little heat.
How to Make Spinach Coconut Milk Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by heating your oil in a pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent—this is where the base flavor begins to build. Then stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for just about 30 seconds until you can smell that wonderful fragrant aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 2: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together so those spices toast slightly and release their oils, perfectly infusing the soup with warmth and a hint of earthiness that’s key to the signature flavor.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Greens
Pour in the vegetable broth and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling softly, add in the fresh spinach. Give it a few minutes to wilt down, allowing all those vibrant greens to meld beautifully into the spiced broth.
Step 4: Blend and Finish
Pour in the coconut milk and simmer for another five minutes, letting the flavors harmonize while the coconut milk adds a creamy touch. Then, using an immersion blender or countertop blender, puree the soup until perfectly smooth. Finally, stir in the lemon or lime juice and adjust seasoning to your taste. Your soup is ready to serve!
How to Serve Spinach Coconut Milk Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your Spinach Coconut Milk Soup Recipe to the next level. Fresh cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or a dash of chili flakes can add texture, brightness, and that extra pop of flavor that makes each spoonful exciting.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping, fragrant jasmine rice, or even a light salad with a citrus vinaigrette. These sides complement the creamy, spiced soup while offering contrasting textures to keep your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the Spinach Coconut Milk Soup Recipe in beautiful, rustic bowls with a swirl of coconut cream on top, and maybe a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or chopped toasted nuts for crunch. A colorful cloth napkin or wooden table setting will complete that cozy, homey vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This soup keeps well for up to three days and the flavors often deepen, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully for up to two months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened a lot in the refrigerator or freezer. Avoid boiling to maintain that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid extra liquid. The flavor might be a bit milder, but the soup will still be delicious.
Is this soup spicy?
The basic Spinach Coconut Milk Soup Recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add some red chili flakes or fresh green chilies during cooking or as a garnish for a kick if you like it hot.
Can I substitute coconut milk with something else?
Coconut milk is key to the creamy, slightly sweet base of this soup. If you’re allergic or don’t have it on hand, almond milk or cashew cream can be alternatives, but the flavor will be different.
How can I make this soup more filling?
Adding cooked lentils, chickpeas, or even some cooked quinoa is an excellent way to bump up the protein and make this soup a hearty meal.
Is this soup suitable for a ketogenic diet?
This Spinach Coconut Milk Soup Recipe contains coconut milk and spinach, which can be compatible with keto, but be mindful of the vegetable broth ingredients and portion size if you’re strictly tracking carbs.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Coconut Milk Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of fresh greens, cozy spices, and creamy coconut that fits perfectly into any season or mood. Whether you’re craving something light yet comforting or looking for an easy dish to brighten your day, give this recipe a try — I promise you won’t regret it! It’s a quick little kitchen magic trick that turns simple ingredients into a truly heartwarming bowl of goodness.
Print
Spinach Coconut Milk Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Spinach Coconut Milk Soup is a light, creamy, and comforting vegan dish made with fresh spinach, aromatic spices, and rich coconut milk. It’s naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, making it perfect for a quick lunch or soothing dinner that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Spices
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
- Optional: red chili flakes or green chili, to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat the olive or coconut oil in a pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn them.
- Toast Spices: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the onion mixture and awaken the spices’ flavors.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Cook Spinach: Add the packed fresh spinach to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green.
- Add Coconut Milk: Stir in the coconut milk and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to develop creaminess and depth.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season: Stir in lemon or lime juice to brighten the flavor and adjust salt or spices to taste. Optionally, add red chili flakes or chopped green chili for extra heat.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately as a comforting, nourishing meal.
Notes
- Use baby spinach for a milder and sweeter flavor profile.
- For a thicker soup consistency, reduce the vegetable broth quantity by ½ cup.
- Enhance protein content by adding cooked lentils or chickpeas during the simmering stage.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / International
