Maya Tomato Spinach Soup
Maya Tomato Spinach Soup is a easy Filipino recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Magg's Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $4.05 total, $1.01 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 4 medium Tomatoes (ripe, diced)
- 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 stalks Scallion (white and green parts sliced)
- 2 cups Spinach (fresh, washed and roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped)
- 1 cube Maggi Cube (vegetable flavor)
- to taste Salt
- 3 cups Water
- 2 teaspoons Haitian Seasoning (or any mixed herb blend)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted, cut into cubes)
Instructions
Heat Oil
Place the large pot over medium‑high heat and add the olive oil. Let it warm for about 2 minutes until shimmering.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Sauté Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and sliced scallion to the pot. Stir constantly and sauté for 5 minutes, or until fragrant and the scallion turns translucent.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Add and Mash Tomatoes
Add the diced tomatoes to the pot. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the tomatoes until they break down into a chunky sauce.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Create the Broth
Pour in 3 cups of water, crumble the Maggi cube into the pot, add the Haitian seasoning, and season with salt to taste. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: High
Add Greens and Herbs
Once boiling, add the chopped spinach, cilantro, and parsley. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the greens to wilt and the flavors to meld.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Low
Finish with Butter
Add the butter cubes to the soup, stirring until fully melted. This enriches the broth and gives it a silky texture.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Low
Simmer Until Done
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 20‑25 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The soup should be moist, fragrant, and the vegetables fully tender.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: Low
Serve
Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately. Garnish with an extra drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by omitting butter
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Tomatoes: canned diced tomatoes, fresh plum tomatoes
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp), shallots (2 medium)
- Instead of Scallion: green onions, chives
- Instead of Spinach: kale (stems removed), Swiss chard
- Instead of Cilantro: fresh parsley, Thai basil
- Instead of Parsley: cilantro, fresh dill
- Instead of Maggi Cube: vegetable bouillon cube, soy sauce (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Water: vegetable broth (for richer flavor)
- Instead of Haitian Seasoning: Italian seasoning, herbes de Provence
- Instead of Butter: margarine, olive oil (extra drizzle at end)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon or Heat‑Resistant Spatula
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Heat oil without letting it smoke.
- Sauté garlic and scallion without burning.
- Mash tomatoes thoroughly to create a base sauce.
- Add enough water to keep the soup moist.
- Finish with butter for richness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best natural sweetness.
- Mashing the tomatoes with a potato masher releases their juices and creates a richer base.
- Finishing with butter adds a glossy sheen and depth of flavor.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick.
Add additional water or broth a few tablespoons at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Flavor is bland.
Taste and add more salt, a second Maggi cube, or a pinch of extra Haitian seasoning.
Spinach turns mushy.
Reduce the final simmer time to 10‑12 minutes and add the spinach in the last 5 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 1 month; reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the broth (water, Maggi cube, seasoning) a day ahead and refrigerate; add fresh greens and butter just before serving.
- Chop all vegetables and store in a sealed container in the fridge for quick assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Maya Tomato Spinach Soup in Filipino cuisine?
Maya soup is a home‑style Filipino comfort dish that blends the tang of tomatoes with the earthiness of leafy greens. It reflects the Filipino tradition of turning simple pantry staples into nourishing meals, often served during rainy evenings or family gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of Maya Tomato Spinach Soup across the Philippines?
In the Visayas, cooks often add coconut milk for a creamier texture, while in Luzon versions you’ll find a touch of fish sauce instead of a Maggi cube. Some regions also incorporate local greens like moringa (malunggay) or bitter melon leaves.
How is Maya Tomato Spinach Soup traditionally served in Filipino households?
It is typically served hot in a deep bowl, accompanied by steamed rice or crusty pandesal. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro is added just before eating for extra aroma.
On what occasions or celebrations is Maya Tomato Spinach Soup traditionally enjoyed in Filipino culture?
Maya soup is a go‑to comfort food for everyday meals, but it also appears during informal gatherings, after‑school snacks, and as a soothing dish during the rainy season or when someone is feeling under the weather.
How does Maya Tomato Spinach Soup fit into the broader Filipino cuisine tradition?
Filipino cuisine often balances sour, salty, and umami flavors. This soup embodies that balance with tangy tomatoes, salty Maggi, and the umami depth from butter, showcasing the Filipino love for hearty, one‑pot meals.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Maya Tomato Spinach Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh tomatoes, spinach, garlic, scallion, Maggi cube, and a touch of butter. Substitutes can be canned tomatoes, kale for spinach, vegetable bouillon instead of Maggi, and olive oil in place of butter for a vegan version.
What other Filipino dishes pair well with Maya Tomato Spinach Soup?
Pair it with fried fish (daing), grilled pork belly (inihaw na baboy), or a simple garlic fried rice (sinangag) for a complete Filipino meal.
What makes Maya Tomato Spinach Soup special or unique in Filipino cuisine?
Its simplicity and reliance on fresh garden produce set it apart. The use of a Maggi cube adds a distinct umami punch that is characteristic of many Filipino home‑cooked soups.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Maya Tomato Spinach Soup?
Avoid burning the garlic, which turns bitter, and don’t let the soup reduce too much—add water if it becomes overly thick. Also, add the butter at the end; cooking it too long can cause the butter to separate.
Why does this Maya Tomato Spinach Soup recipe use butter instead of oil for the finishing step?
Butter adds a silky mouthfeel and a subtle richness that oil alone cannot provide. Adding it at the end preserves its flavor without risking the milk solids burning during the long simmer.
What does the YouTube channel Magg's Kitchen specialize in?
Magg's Kitchen focuses on easy, family‑friendly Filipino home cooking, offering step‑by‑step videos that highlight everyday ingredients and practical tips for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Magg's Kitchen's approach to Filipino cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Magg's Kitchen emphasizes quick, one‑pot meals with clear visual cues and minimal equipment, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate techniques or gourmet presentations. The channel aims to make traditional Filipino flavors accessible to beginners.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
