Imagine a soup so creamy, so vibrant, and so incredibly easy to make that it'll become your new go-to comfort dish! This Mediterranean-inspired Zucchini Soup with Herbs is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms humble vegetables into a luxurious, silky-smooth experience. Whether you're a busy home cook or a health-conscious foodie, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, turning ordinary zucchinis into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds, chop the onion finely, and mince the garlic cloves. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about a minute, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pot evenly.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning and developing a bitter taste.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the sliced zucchinis to the pot. Stir well to combine the zucchinis with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Cook the zucchinis for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth, ensuring all the vegetables are submerged. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme and 1 tablespoon of fresh dill. Stir to incorporate the herbs into the soup.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the zucchinis to become tender.
- After the soup has simmered, remove it from the heat. Use an immersion blender to carefully puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, but be cautious of the hot liquid.
- Once blended to your desired consistency, return the soup to the pot (if necessary) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Serve the zucchini soup hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm zucchinis for the best flavor and texture. Look for medium-sized ones without blemishes.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - allowing onions and garlic to caramelize slowly develops a deeper, richer flavor profile.
- For an extra creamy texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt when blending.
- If you want to add more depth, try roasting the zucchinis briefly before adding them to the soup to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible. The difference in flavor between fresh and dried herbs is remarkable in this delicate soup.
- If you don't have an immersion blender, cool the soup slightly before blending in a standard blender to prevent potential steam pressure build-up.
- This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
