Warm up your soul with a bowl of creamy zucchini soup, a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the delicate flavor of zucchini with the richness of cream and cheese, creating a velvety-smooth texture that will leave you craving for more. Let’s dive into the kitchen and whip up this delightful creation together!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of white pepper (optional)
- 5-6 zucchini, cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Season: Stir in the dried thyme, celery salt, salt, pepper, and optional white pepper. Allow the spices to toast for a minute to release their flavors.
- Add Zucchini: Add the cubed zucchini to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Pour Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until the zucchini is tender.
- Add Potatoes: Add the peeled and cubed Russet potatoes to the pot. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend: Using an immersion blender or transferring in batches to a blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Return the blended soup to the pot if using a blender. Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy zucchini soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with extra cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Cook’s Notes:
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite herbs or spices, such as basil or paprika.
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can reserve some of the cubed zucchini and add it back into the blended soup before serving.
Variations:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Herbaceous Twist: Stir in fresh chopped parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce to keep the soup vegetarian-friendly.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: Omit the potatoes and use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum or almond flour to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Low-Carb Variation: Reduce the amount of potatoes or omit them altogether, and use a lower-carb vegetable like cauliflower instead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth? Absolutely! Feel free to use chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand. It will add a savory depth of flavor to the soup.
2. How long will the soup keep in the refrigerator? The soup will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I freeze the soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Certainly! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
5. Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of the soup. Gouda, gruyere, or even blue cheese would all work well in this recipe.
Savor the creamy goodness of our zucchini soup, a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that’s both comforting and nutritious. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight meal or served to impress guests at a dinner party, this soup is sure to warm hearts and satisfy cravings. With its rich flavors and velvety texture, it’s a dish that’s bound to become a favorite in your household. So grab a spoon and indulge in a bowl of pure comfort!