Open Arms of Minnesota

Weekly Recipe #132: Spinach Zucchini and Potato Soup

by Jessica Lahrs, Open Arms Client Services Assistant and volunteer St. Joseph Worker.

I made this recipe last night for eight people. It was a big hit even among the picky eaters. It is a nice soup because I was able to set out a plethora of seasonings and people could flavor it anyway they wanted ((people at my house mainly chose Sriracha (hot sauce)). I paired it with some baguettes for dipping. If you are looking for a creative way to use up your garden’s zucchini give this a try!

Photo by Jessica Lahrs

Spinach Zucchini and Potato Soup
Adapted from 101 Cookbooks
(Servings 10)

Ingredients 7 ½ tbsps extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic, chopped
4 medium onions, roughly chopped
3 pinches salt
4 medium potatoes, loosely chopped
3 medium zucchini, loosely chopped
10 cups vegetable stock
9 oz. package fresh spinach
2 ½ cups cilantro, loosely chopped
¼ cup lemon juice, or to taste

Instructions:1. In a large pot pour in the olive oil and place over medium heat.

2. Once the oil is hot, but not smoking, add the garlic and onions and sauté for a few minutes along with a pinch of salt. Just until they soften up a bit.

3. Stir in the potatoes and zucchini. Then add the vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are soft. This will take between ten and fifteen minutes.

4. Add the spinach and stir until they wilt. This will only take about ten seconds. Then add the cilantro.

5. Next step is to puree the mixture. A hand blender would be easiest, but I don’t own one so I used my blender. Blend the mixture until it is smooth.

6. Add lemon juice and salt to taste.


**This soup goes well with many different seasonings. I added a little Sriracha (hot sauce) to mine to give it a little kick. Since it is mainly vegetables it can be flavored anyway you like, go ahead and be creative!

More from Open Arms

Mississippi Market Supports Open Arms This December

December Positive Change: Open Arms of Minnesota We’re proud to be Mississippi Market’s Positive Change recipient for the month of December! When you shop at Mississippi Market Co-op, you can donate your 10¢ reusable bag credit OR round up your purchase at checkout to

Read More »
Gift Catalog Graphic for pop up ad.

Open Arms Gift Catalog 2025

Give The Gift of Nourishment This Holiday Season We’re excited to unveil the second edition of the Open Arms Gift Catalog—a heartfelt way to support our clients and nourish our community this holiday season! Building on the joy and enthusiasm from last year’s debut,

Read More »

Open Arms Gift Catalog 2025

We’re thrilled to share the second edition of our Gift Catalog—a heartfelt way to nourish our community and support neighbors living with critical illness this holiday season. This year’s catalog features even more meaningful ways to make an impact with your year-end giving. As you flip through the catalog, we hope that you will make a gift to Open Arms that feels meaningful to you.

Moveable Feast 2025: The Show Goes On

No matter the challenges, Open Arms stands ready to face the future. Together, we will gather for a special production of Moveable Feast being held on Thursday, May 15 at the historic Hollywood Theater in Northeast Minneapolis. We hope you and your cast of characters will join us in support of our clients!

IN A CHAOTIC WORLD, WE CAN SHOW LOVE IN ACTION!

When life feels overwhelming, there’s one thing we can control: showing care, love, and compassion to one another. This February, Give from the Heart in honor or memory of someone special. Your gift will provide life-saving medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling to someone facing a critical illness. We’ll send a heartfelt card to your honoree or their family, sharing your loving tribute.

Open Arms of Minnesota Earns Accreditation from Food Is Medicine Coalition

Open Arms of Minnesota, the Twin Cities-based non-profit dedicated to providing nourishing, medically tailored meals to individuals with critical illnesses, has earned accreditation from the Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC). This recognition places Open Arms among an elite group of organizations nationwide that have demonstrated a high standard of care in delivering medically tailored meals (MTM).

End Of Year Giving Graphic

Your Gift Will Help Us Serve More Clients!

Together we can continue to meet the increased demand for medically tailored meals with your support! We hope you think of us as you consider your year-end giving. Your donation is a gift of care, compassion, and encouragement!