What's For Dinner: Gnocchi and Spinach Soup (A Gentle Comfort for Weary Souls)

February. It often feels like a quiet sigh between the festive rush of December and the burgeoning hope of spring. The days might still be short, and the world outside a bit muted, but there's a unique beauty in this time of inward reflection. It's a season when my heart leans deeply into gratitude – for warmth, for simple blessings, and for the quiet moments shared around a humble table.

Tonight, as the evening draws in, I find myself craving something that nourishes not just the body, but also the spirit. Something that invites us to slow down, to simply *be*. And so, our culinary companion for this evening's gentle pause is a wonderfully soothing Gnocchi and Spinach Soup.

There's something profoundly comforting about a warm bowl that doesn't demand much of you, other than to receive its goodness. The soft pillows of gnocchi, the vibrant whisper of spinach, all swimming in a savory broth – it feels like a warm hug on a chill evening. It’s not about rushing through a meal; it’s about savoring the stillness, the flavors, and the company, whether that's a bustling family or merely your own reflective thoughts. It's a reminder that even in the busiest seasons, we can find peace in the everyday grace notes.

Ingredients

Gathering these simple ingredients feels like preparing for a small act of kindness towards oneself or loved ones:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if preferred)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (16 ounce) package potato gnocchi
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

The beauty of this soup isn't in its complexity, but in the gentle unfolding of its flavors and the warmth it brings:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Let the aromas fill your kitchen.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), basil, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually just until they float to the surface (about 2-4 minutes).
5. Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt into the soup.
6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow it to warm through, but do not boil after adding the cream.
7. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
8. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately, perhaps with a little extra Parmesan on top. Take a deep breath and enjoy.

As we ladle out bowls of this comforting soup, may we remember the blessings woven into our everyday lives. In a world that often urges us to *do* more, let's carve out these moments to simply *be* – present, thankful, and nourished. February might be a month of quiet introspection, but it's also a beautiful invitation to find joy in the small, consistent acts of love, like sharing a warm meal.

What simple moments of comfort and connection are you gathering around your table this season?

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Photo by Cihat Hıdır (@cihathidir)

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