Description
Creamy zucchini soup delivers Italian countryside comfort in a single spoonful. Fresh garden herbs and silky texture invite you to savor summer’s green bounty with pure Mediterranean elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 2 medium-sized zucchini, chopped (approximately 6 cups)
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- ½ cup milk (can omit or replace with nondairy milk for vegan recipe)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (can omit for vegan recipe)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil or butter in a spacious soup vessel over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce chopped potatoes, zucchini, aromatic herbs like thyme and oregano, along with paprika into the pot. Pour broth and elevate heat to trigger a vigorous boil.
- Once liquid reaches a rolling boil, reduce thermal intensity to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and soften for approximately 20 minutes until potatoes yield easily when pierced with a fork.
- Allow the mixture to cool momentarily, then transfer in measured portions to a blending apparatus, processing until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Carefully return the velvety purée to the cooking vessel, rekindling heat to a delicate bubbling state. Incorporate milk and gradually fold in shredded cheese, continuously stirring until dairy components melt seamlessly.
- Conduct a comprehensive flavor assessment, calibrating seasoning with precise salt and pepper adjustments to harmonize the soup’s profile. Present the creamy elixir while maintaining an inviting warmth.
Notes
- Quickly sauté onions to release their sweet, aromatic flavor before adding other ingredients for a deeper taste profile.
- Choose fresh, firm zucchini to ensure the best texture and vibrant green color in your soup.
- Blend the soup in small batches to achieve a silky-smooth consistency without overloading the blender.
- Use mild cheese like cheddar or gruyère for a creamy, rich finish that doesn’t overpower the delicate zucchini flavor.
- Allow the soup to simmer gently, which helps blend the herbs and develop a more complex taste.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of cream for an elegant touch that elevates the presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg