Zucchini Soup (Print Version)

Silky summer squash soup with herbs and lemon zest.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 4 medium zucchinis (approximately 1.75 pounds), sliced
05 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
06 - 1 stalk celery, chopped

→ Liquids

07 - 4 cups vegetable broth
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk, optional for creaminess

→ Herbs and Seasonings

09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - Zest of 1/2 lemon

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh herbs, finely chopped
16 - Extra virgin olive oil or cream for drizzling

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery, sautéing for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes aromatic.
03 - Stir in sliced zucchini and diced potato. Cook while stirring occasionally for 5 minutes to allow vegetables to begin softening.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes until all vegetables are very tender.
05 - Remove from heat and add fresh parsley, basil, thyme, and lemon zest, allowing flavors to meld for 1 minute.
06 - Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until silky and smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer soup in batches to a blender and puree until desired consistency is achieved.
07 - Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Gently reheat if necessary. Serve hot or chilled in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs and a light drizzle of olive oil or cream swirl.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The velvety texture feels indulgent but the soup stays remarkably light, perfect for when you want comfort without heaviness.
  • It actually tastes better the next day, making your future self thankful when you discover it waiting in the refrigerator after a long day.
02 -
  • Dont be tempted to skimp on the simmering time, those extra minutes ensure the potato breaks down completely for the smoothest texture.
  • If youre using a regular blender instead of immersion, allow the soup to cool slightly and work in batches filling the blender only halfway to prevent hot soup explosions.
03 -
  • If your soup seems watery, a slice of bread torn into pieces and blended with the soup creates perfect thickness without changing the flavor profile.
  • The potato is non-negotiable for silky texture, but sweet potato can be substituted for a subtle flavor variation that pairs beautifully with coconut milk.
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