Creamy Fennel and Greens Soup
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
This creamy fennel and greens soup is a vibrant, vitamin-rich dish that celebrates the delicate aniseed notes of fresh fennel. By simmering dark leafy greens like beet tops with sweet onions before finishing with a splash of double cream, you create a silky texture and a deeply comforting flavour profile. The addition of fresh lemon juice at the end provides a bright acidity that perfectly balances the earthy greens.
As a versatile vegetarian starter or a nutritious light lunch, this homemade soup fits easily into a healthy weekly meal plan. It is particularly practical for busy households as the base can be prepared up to two days in advance and chilled. Serve it piping hot with crusty sourdough bread or chilled during the summer months for a refreshing alternative.
In this article:
Continue reading below
Ingredients for Creamy Fennel and Greens Soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 fennel bulb, trimmed and chopped
1 small onion, chopped
450g mixed dark leafy greens such as collard and beet, coarse stems and centre ribs discarded and leaves chopped
6 cups water
3 cups baby spinach (60g)
1/2 cup double cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Garnish: fennel fronds or chopped dill
How to make Creamy Fennel and Greens Soup
Heat oil and butter in a 6-quart heavy pot over medium heat until foam subsides. Add fennel, onion, 3/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/8 teaspoons pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, 7 to 8 minutes.
Add leafy greens (but not spinach) and water to pot and simmer, covered, until greens are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook, uncovered, just until wilted, about 1 minute.
Purée soup in batches in a blender (use caution when blending hot liquids) until smooth, then return to pot. Stir in cream and lemon juice and reheat over low heat. Season with salt.
Soup can be made 2 days ahead and chilled (covered once cool). Reheat or serve cold.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.