As a busy working mom, finding time to prepare healthy meals for my family is always a challenge. But when I discovered this delicious Spinach and Clam Soup recipe, I just had to share it on the Food And Meal blog.
This hearty soup has become a lifesaver for me on those hectic weeknights. Not only is it packed with nutritious ingredients like tender clams, iron-rich spinach, carrots, potatoes, and zesty garlic, it also comes together in just 30 minutes! Now that’s my kind of weeknight dinner.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first about how well clams would pair with spinach. But after that first steaming spoonful of the briny seafood broth mixed with the fresh, vibrant spinach…I was hooked! The flavors blend together so beautifully. When you add the buttery potatoes and carrots, it becomes a deeply satisfying comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
Even my picky kids devour this soup. I think it’s the combination of textures from the velvety spinach base and the pops of briny sweetness from the plump clams that keeps them coming back for more. I always make sure to have an extra loaf of crusty bread on hand for dunking purposes.
Spinach and Clam Soup Recipe
SPINACH AND CLAM SOUP
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach, with thick stems trimmed and coarsely chopped
- 5 cups water
- 1/4 cup doenjang or gluten-free doenjang
- 1 teaspoon anchovy powder (myulchi karu or myeolchi garu)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 20 littleneck clams (fewer if you are using large clams), rinsed and scrubbed
Instructions
- Blanch the spinach for 30 seconds in boiling water, and drain.
- Put the 5 cups of water into large stockpot over high heat.
- Add the doenjang gradually, stirring and using a whisk to dissolve, if necessary.
- Stir in the anchovy powder, garlic, and scallions, and bring the broth to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-high, add the spinach and clams, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, until the clams open. Discard any clams that did not open.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Spinach and Clam Soup
One of my top tips is to avoid overcooking the clams. Their sweet, briny flavor gets lost if they’re cooked too long. I gently steam them open right in the broth, then immediately remove them once they’ve opened. This retains that fresh-from-the-ocean essence that pairs so nicely with the garlic-kissed spinach base.
I also recommend using baby spinach leaves rather than mature spinach. They have a more delicate texture that blends beautifully into the soup. Mature spinach leaves can sometimes give a gritty, fibrous texture.
When prepping the aromatics, don’t be shy with the garlic! Browning the garlic in olive oil before adding the broth and clams infuses everything with a sweet, almost nutty flavor that we all crave.
And while crusty bread is always a welcome addition for dunking, I suggest also serving the soup with lemon wedges. A little squirt of tart lemon brightens all the ingredients and adds the perfect little zing.
This humble soup may seem simple, but the flavors and textures make it so satisfying. I hope these little tips help you enjoy the soup as much as my family does! Let me know if you have any other questions – I’m always happy to chat about my favorite cozy recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Spinach and Clam Soup
This hearty spinach and clam soup would pair nicely with some crusty bread for dipping, like a pesto panini or grilled bread. The briny clams and zesty spinach broth would perfectly complement the rich, herby flavors of a pesto spread.
For a more Asian-inspired accompaniment, I suggest serving the soup with some shio ramen or shio chanpon noodles. The light and salty shio seasoning would provide a nice contrast to the deeper flavors of the soup. Steamed rice and miso soup would also make excellent additions.
To add some crunch, a fresh daikon radish salad or quick pickled vegetables like candied ginger would brighten up the bowl. Other crisp toppings like sesame candies or scallion salad lend fun textures.
If you want to turn this soup into more of an entrée, try topping it with meat patties, braised eggs, or soft tofu stew for a heartier meal. And for those who like some heat, a dollop of kimchi stew or spicy octopus would perfectly complement the garlic and briny clam flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions of Spinach and Clam Soup
- Can I use frozen clams for this soup? Absolutely, frozen clams work well too. Just remember to thaw them before cooking.
- Can I substitute spinach with other greens? Yes, you can use other leafy greens like kale or watercress for a unique twist.
- Is this soup suitable for vegetarians? While this recipe contains clams, you can omit them for a vegetarian version and still enjoy the flavorful broth.
- How can I adjust the spiciness level? If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
- Can I store leftovers? Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Conclusion
As I wrap up this blog post extolling the virtues of my new favorite Spinach and Clam Soup, I sincerely hope you’ll take the time to head to the kitchen and give this recipe a try for yourself. As part of the Food And Meal family, it’s my goal to provide you with nutritious, family-friendly recipes that also help simplify your life. This soup checks all those boxes!
The combination of tender sweet clams, vibrant spinach, and savory aromatics like garlic come together to create a deeply satisfying flavor profile everyone will love. You can have it on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for hectic weeknights. Just pair it with some crusty bread, quick pickled veggies, or your favorite Asian-inspired sides to round out the meal.
As always, I welcome any feedback or suggestions for future recipes you’d like to see featured on Food And Meal. My mission is to give you and your family wholesome, delicious meals that bring comfort and joy without spending all day in the kitchen. This Spinach and Clam Soup is just one example of that Food And Meal promise. Enjoy!
Hi! I'm Nazia of ‘Nazia Cooks’, a self-taught baker and cook residing in Chennai. Rooted in the rich South Indian culinary landscape, my palate has expanded to embrace global flavors. I revel in crafting fusion dishes, melding traditions to birth unique tastes.