Potato and Spinach Soup Recipe

I ran for the first time this year today.  Yes, I know what the date is.  I know I waited a full 8 days to put on those running shoes, but I have a really good reason.  I was working a lot, it was cold out, my cat insisted on tummy rubs.  Lots and lots of good excuses valid reasons.

Not really.  I was lazy and didn't want to get off my couch.  But, the great thing about running is that there is only one way to move and that is forward.

So true!

So, after my 8 day work week I was able to get in 4 miles with Becky in 47:19.  And I'll be honest: I probably wouldn't have gone other wise.  It was actually pretty nice out.  It was near 40 with a little wind and full sunshine.  Becky said it is supposed to be up to 57 on Saturday and fall to 27 on Sunday.  Only in WI!

I finally took down the Christmas decorations today.  It was sad to see them go.  The Christmas tree is Eggy's absolute favorite toy.  So, we decided to put his tree in front of the window so he can enjoy the view out the front window.

I have been eating like garbage the last week and really want to get back on the healthy train.  So, today I decided to make a big pot of soup.  I sort of made up the recipe as I went.

Potato and Spinach Soup

2 Tbsp EVOO

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, diced

3 carrots, sliced

8 cups vegetable broth

4 red potatoes, cooked with peel and cut into squares

2 cups spinach, fresh

1 tsp. saffron

1 tsp thyme

1/4 tsp salt

Put large soup pot on medium heat and add the EVOO.  Heat for about a minute.  Add the onions and cook until softened.  Add the garlic and cook until soft, about 1-2 minutes.  Add the sliced carrots.  Cover and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until softened.  I then added the saffron, thyme, salt, and vegetable broth.  Cover and let cook for about 20 minutes to let the flavors cook in.  Add the already cooked potatoes.  (I just poked holes in the potatoes and cooked mine in the microwave.)  Then, mash the potatoes a bit until chunky with a potato masher.  Add the spinach last.  Bring to a boil and then lower heat and cover.  Simmer for about 30 minutes.  

It's a very brothy soup, so I think that I could have added some wild rice or barley and it would have been good too.  I really liked it, but it isn't a meal in itself...at least not to me.  

I finished the night with the ladies at Craft Night.  We had it at Melissa's.  She is due any second, so shouldn't be out driving by herself!

What is your favorite winter soup?