This recipe is adapted from an old-time favorite of the Silver Palate cookbook. I was skeptical when I first discovered it 20 some years ago but was won over by the delicious blend of flavors. So I gave it my Cuisinicity touch to make it healthier and it became a Katz family staple for all those years….but I just revamped it yet again to make it vegan! I replaced the buttermilk with cashew non-dairy yogurt which has just now appeared on the market…and WOW! (I am not sure if it is available everywhere yet, but click here for the one I found at Whole Foods). You can make this wonderful soup with fresh mint, fresh cilantro, or fresh basil and serve it either hot in the winter or chilled on a summer evening, just delectable, any which way!
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 (8 oz) bags fresh pre-washed spinach
- 2 (10 oz) bags frozen peas
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves or fresh cilantro or basil leaves
- ¾ cup cashew yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
- ¾ tsp salt
- fresh ground pepper to taste
- Heat oil in a deep pan and sautee the onions until soft (about 5 minutes)
- Add the fresh spinach (one bag at a time as it is very bulky but not to worry it cooks down quickly!)
- Once the spinach is completely wilted (5-6 minutes), add the peas and water and bring to a quick boil.
- Turn down the heat, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and add the fresh mint or cilantro or basil, salt and pepper.
- Let cool for a few minutes and place the soup in a food processor (you will have to do it in several batches) and process until smooth, or better yet, you can use a stick hand blender to blend the soup to desired creaminess right in the pot (see below).
- Add the cashew yogurt and briefly heat through while stirring.
- Ladle the soup in individual bowls with a drizzle of cashew yogurt for a beautiful presentation.
smart stick hand blender-there are many on the market and you don’t need a fancy one, they all work the same way!
Can I use soy yogurt in place of cashew?
Lisa, I haven’t tried but I assume so! Just make sure it has no added sugar!
Catherine:) This soup is so delicious! Yummy! Whole kitchen was full of its pleasant smell and I LOVED the taste! I had high expectations and rightfully so, the recipe is awesome! Perfect combination. Thank you very much for sharing it with us!
May God keep you blessed!
YAY Martin!! I LOVE your comment! I can hear your enthusiasm all the way from my kitchen!! Thank you so much!:)