This tasty zucchini soup is light and refreshing! It’s made with fresh zucchini, a bit of onion, and delicious seasonings blended together for a smooth texture.
I love to enjoy this soup warm or chilled, and it’s perfect for any season. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal without anyone noticing! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchinis add a light flavor. If you’re short on zucchini, yellow squash works well too, or you can mix in green peas for a different twist.
Onion: A regular yellow onion provides sweetness. You could use shallots for a milder taste or even leeks for a unique flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the soup’s flavor. Feel free to substitute with garlic powder in a pinch, using about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Broth: Vegetable broth is excellent for a vegetarian option, but chicken broth adds more richness. For a low-sodium option, look for low-sodium broth options.
Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich texture, but you can use half-and-half or even milk for a lighter soup. Coconut cream adds a nice hint of sweetness for a dairy-free option.
How Can I Get a Super Smooth Soup?
Getting your soup silky smooth is all about blending it right. Here are some tips:
- Make sure the zucchini is tender before blending. This ensures a smoother texture.
- If using a blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters.
- Blend in small batches if necessary, and make sure you don’t fill the blender too full.
Lastly, for an extra creamy touch, you can blend in a bit more cream just before serving. Enjoy your soup! 😊
Delicious Zucchini Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 medium zucchinis, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garnish:
- Fresh dill for garnish
- Croutons for garnish
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful zucchini soup takes roughly 40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and then about 30 minutes cooking and blending. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onions become soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. The garlic will release a lovely aroma – yum!
2. Cooking the Zucchini:
Next, toss in the chopped zucchini. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This step helps to bring out the sweet flavor of the zucchini.
3. Adding the Broth:
Now it’s time to pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. At this point, the zucchini should be tender and easy to blend.
4. Blending the Soup:
Once the zucchini is nice and tender, remove the pot from the heat. If you have an immersion blender, use it to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blending until it’s silky and creamy. Just be careful with the hot soup!
5. Finishing Touches:
After blending, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) for richness. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a bit of zing, add a squeeze of lemon juice – it makes a delightful difference!
6. Serving the Soup:
If needed, gently reheat the soup on low. Serve it hot in bowls, and to make it even more delightful, garnish with a swirl of cream, a drizzle of olive oil, fresh dill sprigs, and crunchy croutons on top.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting bowl of zucchini soup! It’s perfect as a starter or a light meal. 😊
Can I Use Different Kinds of Zucchini?
Yes! You can substitute yellow squash or even mix in some green peas for variety. Just ensure you maintain a similar quantity for a balanced flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut cream for a lighter option. Each will give the soup a different texture, but all will be delicious!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer!
